W

GoPro
NE

The independent guide to

getting started with your GoPro

For all
models

100% unofficial
Set up your camera
Shoot incredible video
Edit and share footage online
 Welcome to

Founded in 2002 when director Nick Woodman noticed a gap in the market,
the GoPro range began as a simple way for amateur photographers to
capture professional angles of suring, mountaineering and other sports,
but at a reasonable price. Fast-forward to today and the GoPro brand is
ubiquitous in the world of extreme sports and adventurous activities. A
plethora of ingenious mounts and accessories ensures that this clever little
piece of technology is capable in all sorts of situations, from cycling and
snowboarding to a walk in the park from your dog’s perspective. GoPro have
even provided their own editing software, so you can import your footage
and stills, create professional looking edits and then export your creations
to Twitter, Facebook and more. Incredibly portable, unbelievably tough and
hugely versatile, there’s nothing stopping you from grabbing your GoPro
and recording your adventures today.
 Imagine Publishing Ltd
Richmond House
33 Richmond Hill
Bournemouth
Dorset BH2 6EZ
 +44 (0) 1202 586200
Website: www.imagine-publishing.co.uk
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Publishing Director
Aaron Asadi

Head of Design
Ross Andrews

Editor In Chief
Jon White

Production Editor
Hannah Westlake

Senior Art Editor

Greg Whitaker

Art Editor
Ali Innes

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James Sheppard

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Disclaimer
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the
post. All text and layout is the copyright of Imagine Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this bookazine may
be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are
recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the bookazine has
endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change.
This bookazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

GoPro, Hero, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro Be a Hero logo
are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

GoPro for Beginners © 2016 Imagine Publishing Ltd

ISBN 9781785463662

Part of the

bookazine series
 Contents
10
Get started 108
Strike a
with GoPro chord

56
Burst-effect
photos

Using your GoPro

66 Get to know the GoPro
Getting started Setting up Studio software
68 Introducing the GoPro
10 Get started with GoPro 46 Set up your GoPro smartphone app
16 Camera guides 50 Use the manual 72 Control your GoPro
t
)FSP
TFTTJPO
t
)FSP settings with an Apple Watch
t
)FSP

t
)FSP
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)FSP
52 Shoot epic GoPro videos 74 Use your GoPro on
28 GoPro mounts the water
54 Capture great photos
36 Batteries & chargers 80 Capture your day in
56 Take burst-effect photos
38 Lens & filters the snow
58 Get to know the menus
40 Cases & doors 86 Take it to the extreme
60 Cleaning your GoPro
42 Storage drives 90 Take it up a gear
62 Stay safe when using
94 Film on the run
43 Cables your GoPro
98 Hit the road
“The GoPro is so compact that it literally 104 Film with man’s
fits in the palm of your hand, making it best friend
the perfect travel companion” 108 Strike a chord

6 GoPro for Beginners

 104
Film man’s

50 best friend

Use manual
settings

28
GoPro
mounts

126
Export your
video

Going further 126 Export your video

114 Import to GoPro studio

128 Edit with Quik & Splice

116 Edit in GoPro Studio 130 Edit your photos

118 Use GoPro’s templates 132 Retouch your images

120 Correct colour casts 134 Correct exposure
16
Camera 122 Use advanced editing 136 Adjust in Photoshop
guides
124 Create a terrific time- 138 Share your GoPro
lapse video footage and stills

GoPro for Beginners 7

 Getting started
Everything you need to know about
your GoPro, from models to mounts
10 Introducing GoPro 36 Batteries & chargers
Why GoPro is better ,FFQ
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16 Camera guides 38 Lens & filters
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8 GoPro for Beginners
GoPro for Beginners 9
 Getting started
Get started
with GoPro
Discover how this rugged, versatile camera captured
our imagination and conquered the world
D
urable and wearable,
GoPro has become to the
go-to device for capturing
the world around us.
Whether it’s strapped to a dog’s
collar or a mountaineer’s helmet, it
records the wearer’s point-of-view in
high-quality, high-resolution footage.
The dramatic results have made
GoPro cameras a firm favourite of
TV companies, sports personalities
and even spacemen. Even astronauts
have embraced the technology,
capturing HD video of spacewalks
10 GoPro for Beginners
and transporting viewers to the
International Space Station to bear
witness to the breathtaking, vertigo-
inducing views from space. This is the
power of the GoPro. But the camera’s
purse-friendly price puts it within reach
of Earth-bound adventurers, too. From
videographers to casual home users,
professional-looking results are within
everyone’s reach.
Realise the potential of your device
and read the inspiring story of how
one man’s adventure helped enable so
many others to share theirs.
 High-quality results
GoPro is one of the best-
known names in the action
camera market thanks
to its high-quality results
©GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 11

 Getting started
Going places
The success of GoPro has been
built on being able to take
your camera to new places
and capture exciting footage
12 GoPro for Beginners
Rugged exterior
GoPro is a popular choice among extreme
sports enthusiasts thanks to its rugged
versatility and tough casing © Ian Hylands
The story of GoPro
Today, GoPro is one of the biggest names
in the action camera business, which
makes its humble beginnings all the
more surprising. It was the brainchild of
Nick Woodman, a surfer who wanted to
capture his experience riding the waves
on a trip to Australia in 2002. At that point,
any footage would have to be ilmed
from the safety of the shore or a boat, and
equipment was really expensive.
Woodman devised a solution while
selling bead and shell belts out of his
VW van – a wrist strap that could hold
a camera. The idea would make him a
billionaire, with sales doubling every year
since its launch in 2004. “GoPro helps
people capture and share their lives’
most meaningful experiences with others
– to celebrate them together,” sums
up Woodman. “Like how a day on the
mountain with friends is more meaningful
than one spent alone, the sharing of our
collective experiences makes our lives
more fun.” GoPro and its ability to be
mounted to pretty much anything has
helped people record video footage that
wouldn’t have previously been possible
without expensive equipment and share
their experiences with others.
Sharing your
experiences
In order to share your footage with others,
GoPro has an app available for Android
and iOS devices. It enables people to
use their mobile device to play back and
share photos and videos captured on
compatible cameras via email or text, as
well as a host of social media websites.
The GoPro app also gives you the option
of controlling the camera remotely using
“Attach your GoPro to a commercial
drone, like the DJI Phantom, and
record aerial views!”
your smartphone or tablet. Change
settings, see what your camera sees Tell your
with Live View and even start and stop
recording – all without setting a inger on own story
the camera itself. As you can imagine, this
opens up a wealth of exciting possibilities.
Afterwards, you can upload the
results to GoPro’s Facebook or Twitter,
where millions of users post every day. It
efectively enables people from all around
the world to communicate, whether it’s
about their love for shredding snow or
base-jumping from a tower. The most 01: Provide context
Begin your video by introducing the
popular subjects are extreme sports, setting. Using a wide-angle, take shots
enabling viewers with a more cautious of the surrounding area and your
subject so the viewer gets a chance to
nature to experience the action through establish where they are.
the safety of a screen. What makes these
cameras so versatile are the mounts and
accessories designed with all sorts of
activities in mind – however extreme.
These, coupled with the GoPro app and
software, make it easier to capture and
share anything, anywhere.
02: Introduce yourself
Introduce the viewer to the star of the
video – that’s you! Turn the camera on
yourself by using a selfie stick, or by
attaching the GoPro to a nearby object
and positioning yourself in shot.
03: Set the pace
Aerial activity Once you’ve switched to a first-person
Combining your GoPro POV shot, experiment with different
camera with a drone is a frame rates. A slow-motion 120 frames
great way of filming from per second creates a cinematic effect
new perspectives and combats any shakiness.
GoPro for Beginners 13
 Getting started
“If the sun is setting, use a low frame
rate such as 24fps. This lets the
camera capture more light”
Design features
GoPro is called “the world’s most versatile
camera” and it’s not diicult to see why.
It’s so compact that it literally its in the
palm of your hand, making it the perfect
travel companion and the point-and-
shoot design means anyone can use
it. Long battery life and the ability to
record continuously for hours is a huge
advantage over traditional cameras, along
with the fact you don’t need to press the
shutter button to capture a shot.
Must-have accessories
By investing in some well-chosen
accessories, you can customise your
GoPro to your speciic needs. For those
who want to dive straight in, a waterproof
case will be your irst port of call. These
come in standard and dive housing, and
can plunge as deep as 60 metres (197
14 GoPro for Beginners
Enlightening
If the natural light is
fading then GoPro
cameras are capable
of letting in more to
help brighten the shot
feet)! And it’s not just the ish that are
ready for their close-up, as dishwashers
and washing machines can look just as
interesting from the inside, should you
want to go down that route.
Another essential item is the GoPole
Reach – the equivalent to a selie stick
– that ensures you’re in every shot. The
only obvious drawback of this is that it
essentially ties up your hands during your
activity, which may not be ideal. If you’d
rather go hands-free, however, there are
plenty of ways to wear or mount the
camera on your person.
Professional appeal
GoPro has a huge following among
ilmmakers who want to go where
conventional cameras can’t. The irst-
© GoPro
person perspective ramps up the fright
factor in a horror movie, for instance,

while a high-octane car chase can look
even more spectacular when ilmed from
the roof of the vehicle in slow motion.
What’s more, GoPro has been designed
to combat motion blur and unwanted
background noise for better quality
results, and the super wide-angle lens
packs a lot into the scene.
The GoPro is capable of more than just
one shot, though, which is another draw
for videographers. As well as the point-
of-view shot, you can achieve close-ups
with mounts like the gnarwhal; a medium
close-up with the help of a three-way
extension arm; or even achieve a full shot
by using a long extension to position the
camera several metres away from your
body. The creative possibilities that GoPro
cameras, and their accessories, presents
means that no shot, however ambitious, is
beyond the realms of possibility.
Taking still
photos
01: Create a time lapse
If you’re shooting handheld, set your
GoPro to Time Lapse so it captures
shots at intervals. This lets you continue
with your activity without having to
switch the camera on and off.
Mount it
The GoPro can be attached
to anything, making it a
true vacation hero
Everyday adventures
The sheer range of shots available to
the GoPro user is why it’s used to record
so many diferent subjects. One of the 02: Try Burst mode
If you want to capture a photo of a
biggest consumer trends is to attach a stunt, for example, switch to Burst
GoPro to your favourite furry companion mode. This fires multiple shots as soon
to see the world through their eyes. Want as you press shutter button, making
sure you don’t miss the moment.
to know where your cat goes at night?
GoPro has it covered, although you may
not necessarily want to risk your new
toy with an animal intent on trying to
wriggle out of it! A musician, meanwhile,
might strap a GoPro to their mic stand
or instrument to record footage from an
angle that even the person in the front
row couldn’t see, such as the end of a
03: Use a mount
guitar. The option to attach it to anything For more flexibility with your GoPro
means the creative opportunities are photos, you could use a pole mount.
totally endless, which is why GoPro is so This gives you the power to tilt and
turn your GoPro, which allows for
popular across the board. It really can be better positioning and dramatic angles.
used to shoot anything.
GoPro for Beginners 15
 Getting started
Hero4 Session
Introducing the smallest, most versatile member of the GoPro family,
which can capture stunning video and take bursts of pictures effortlessly
T
he Hero4 range is the jewel
in the crown of GoPro
technology and the cameras
range vastly in terms of size
and capabilities. Top of the range is the
Hero4 Black, providing 4k Ultra HD video
capture and super-smooth slow motion
at up to 240 frames per second, but it’s
quite a bulky unit for some purposes.
Enter the Hero4 Session, which sits at the
opposite end of the size scale, yet is small
and lightweight enough to capture all of
your adventures.
When size matters
The Hero4 Session is the smallest, lightest
and most compact GoPro ever and can
be operated to record video, burst or
time-lapse photos with a single button
The Frames
Attach your Hero4 Session camera to
any GoPro mount and can be purchased
for £34.99/$39.99.
16 GoPro for Beginners
control. It can capture stunning high- or surfboard to record your water sports.
resolution 1440p, 1080p and 720p video You don’t even have to mount it the
with frame rates of 60 or 100fps for ultra- right way up as the device will always
smooth slo-mo playback. The photo know which way is up. The camera is also
quality is also exceptional, delivering intelligent enough to acknowledge when
8MP single snaps, time-lapse images bright light turns to dark and can make
at intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds, and all of the necessary adjustments to the
bursts can be initiated at up to ten frames exposure automatically, leaving you free
per second. It’s impressive for a device a to concentrate on your game.
little bigger than a match box.
Mount and go!
The Hero4 Session is a versatile little
device that’s purpose built for activity
thanks to its size, which allows it to be
mounted – via all GoPro mounts – tightly
and snugly onto vehicles, helmets, etc. It
is also fully waterproof up to ten metres,
so you can mount it to your kayak, canoe
“The
versatile
Hero4
Session is
the smallest,
The Smart Remote
Control multiple GoPro cameras from
lightest and
distances of up to 182m and can be
purchased separately for £64.99/$79.99.
most compact
GoPro ever”
One-button control
A single button powers up the
Hero4 Session and starts recording
HD video, photo bursts or time-
lapse images automatically. You
can also operate it with the Smart
Remote or GoPro app
Dual mics
The Hero4 Session houses one mic
on the front and a second on the
back. Both mics work together to
automatically sense and then filter
out any unwanted noise, such as
the whistling of wind
With added SuperView
The Hero4 Session boasts the
world’s most immersive wide-angle
field of view. A GoPro-exclusive,
SuperView means you can capture
more of your surroundings to
produce truly epic videos
Small and compact
The dimensions of the Hero4
Session camera are 38x38x36.4mm
and it weighs an incredibly
lightweight 2.6oz, making it the
perfect everyday GoPro camera for
any activity or adventure
Protune tools
With the Hero4 Session, you get
to enjoy the greatest degree of
manual control over a GoPro
camera. Settings for Colour, ISO
Limit, White Balance, Sharpness and
Exposure are fully customisable
Conserve battery life
The Hero4 Session only uses battery
power when it’s recording. When
inactive, the device powers down
to ensure that there is always fuel
in the tank so that it’s ready to go
©GoPro
when you need it the most
GoPro for Beginners 17
 Getting started

Hero4
Not only is it fast and extremely high quality, but the Hero4
can also be tailored to suit your activity of choice

A familiar look Capture stills Shoot remotely

The design of the Hero4 is
essentially the same as other GoPro
models, making it compatible
with most of the mounts you may
already have
You can opt to capture stills at the
same time as video; the camera
will automatically fire off a 12MP
still every 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds,
or it can be fired manually
Now with built-in Bluetooth, you
can shoot remotely using the
Smart Remote or the GoPro app
to control your settings while
keeping well back

Enhanced audio Create easy Time Lapse Highlight Tag

The Hero4 has increased audio
range by approximately 10DB
when compared to the Hero3+,
and the black version is compatible
with professional external mics
Using the Time Lapse video
mode, you can automatically
capture a perfect sunrise, road
trip or gig in-camera and share it
with other people
The Hero4 lets you tag key
moments in your footage while
recording, using a dedicated
button, so you can quickly go
back to these points later

18 GoPro for Beginners

T
he Hero4 is top of the range
in GoPro’s line-up and Rapid fire
The black version can
comes in two varieties: black
record 4K video as
(£409.99/$499.99) and silver fast as 30fps but you
(£329.99/$399.99). Both come with a also have the option
12MP sensor, upgrading from the 10MP of 2.7K at 60fps or
1080p HD at 120fps
sensor in the Hero3+. This won’t make a © GoPro

huge difference but will make footage

appear higher quality when using larger
screens. The processor is twice as fast
as previous models so both versions are
able to have a 30-frames-per-second
burst rate to help capture crisp action.
They boast a new menu interface, faster
Wi-Fi connectivity and added Bluetooth
for connecting to mobile devices.
Protune settings offer manual control
of Color, ISO Limit, Exposure and more,
while the Highlight feature lets you tag
favourite footage while shooting. of a touch screen; great for composing attaches the camera to an FCS centre fin
and framing, and playing back images. socket. Adhesive anchors and camera
Black versus silver tethers give extra security. The Music
The black version can record in 4K video Standard, Surf or Music edition includes mounts to capture
at a fast 30fps. This high-res setting results Both are available in Standard, Surf or gigs easily. There’s a frame mount and
in superb quality, but you also have the Music options. The Standard version removable instrument mount to attach
options of 2.7K video at 60fps, or Full HD comes with a waterproof case; the Surf it to guitars, turntables and more, using
video (1080p) at a fast 120fps, so you can option includes a surfboard mount, a non-damaging adhesive. There’s also a
produce slow-motion footage in high which comes with an FCS plug that mic stand mount.
res. The silver version still shoots at a
respectful 1080p at 60fps, 960p at 100fps
and 720p at 120fps. It has the advantage

“The processor is
twice as fast as
previous models,
so both versions of
the Hero4 are able Waterproof Colour choice
to capture crisp The Hero4 is waterproof down to 40m
when using the standard housing.
The Hero4 comes in two colours – either
black or silver.
©GoPro

action any time”

GoPro for Beginners 19
 Getting started

Hero3+
An enthusiast camera with faster frame rates and more megapixels to help
capture life’s great moments, whenever they occur

T
he Hero3+ series first came
in silver and black. The black
version has been replaced
with the Hero4. The silver
version (£249.99/$299.99) replaced the
black Hero3. It has a similar build and
design to the Hero3, Wi-Fi, Looping Video Housing
The new housing for
and Time Lapse that captures between the 3+ doesn’t stop
0.5 or 30 seconds. You can add extra the camera from
accessories, such as the Battery BacPac being compatible
and LCD BacPac to extend battery life with all current GoPro
mounts © GoPro
or preview images. Other key features
include the One Button function, so you
can shoot as soon as you’ve powered
up, and Spot Metering for high-contrast
scenes.

Improved sensor capturing split-second movements with

The Hero3+ can shoot at 1080p and
960p, and at 60 frames per second,
creating smoother footage. At 720p
and WVGA it can shoot 120 frames per
second. You can choose between Ultra
Wide, Medium or Narrow field of views,
but 960p and WVGA are still restricted
to Ultra Wide. For stills, the Hero3+ can
capture 10MP images, so you can print
images at larger sizes and crop further
while maintaining quality.
There’s a 10-frames-per-second
burst rate, which helps to freeze action,
consummate ease.
Easy-to-open housing
There is now just one top-mounted
lever and no safety switch. The casing is
more compact and the top lever makes
it easier to remove while wearing gloves.
This latest design allows for anti-fog strips
to be placed inside the case, helping
to capture moisture when the camera
is submerged. The quick-clip design is
designed to attach the camera to straps
or belts quickly.

“There’s a 10fps burst rate, which helps A fresh perspective

to freeze action, capturing split-second Cast your GoPro off on new adventures to

movements with consumate ease” capture and document your life from fresh
new angles. ©GoPro

20 GoPro for Beginners

Burst it
You are able to capture a burst of
10 photos in as fast as one second
when you see the action unfold, so
now you can make sure you don’t
miss the moment
Options for your view
In 1080p and 720p you can switch
between Ultra Wide, Medium or
Narrow fields of view. You’ll fit more
of the scene in with Ultra Wide but
have distortion effects
Full HD
In the 1080p mode you can capture
60 frames per second, resulting in
smooth, high-quality video footage.
Reduce the quality if you want to
take up less space
Easy editing
You can take your MP4 file formats
into the free GoPro Studio to quickly
and easily edit your footage before
you decide to share it with friends
and family
Light and portable
The Hero3+ weighs just 2.6 ounces,
or 4.8 ounces with the standard
housing attached. This keeps it
small and able to be slipped into a
bag or pocket
High-quality lens
The GoPro Hero3+ comes with
an f2.8 fixed, 6-element aspherical
glass lens to produce quality results,
which is more able to cope in low
©GoPro
light environments
GoPro for Beginners 21
 Getting started

Hero3
Capable of capturing full HD videos and with interchangeable housing
and Wi-Fi for added convenience – the Hero3 is a great all-rounder

Waterproof housing Full HD Field of view

The supplied waterproof housing is
removable and lets you submerge
your camera down to 40m. There’s
also a Skeleton backdoor and a curved
and flat adhesive mount supplied
With the Hero3’s 1080p video mode
you can shoot up to 30 frames per
second and capture smooth action
as it unfolds, making this the choice
of numerous adrenaline junkies
The Hero3 shoots with an Ultra
Wide 170-degree field of view,
except in 1080p, which uses
a 127-degree field of view –
perfect for epic shots

Shooting times Wind reduction Remote shooting

In 1080p you can shoot up to
2.15 hours continuously before
the battery will run out (if
Wi-Fi is switched off), but take
it down to 720p at 30fps and
you’ll get 3 hours
The Hero3 uses wind-reduction
technology to keep the audio free
from wind interference while shooting.
The internal mic is mono but an
external 3.5mm stereo-supported mic
adaptor can be purchased
Connect to the GoPro app using
Wi-Fi and you’ll be able to control
your camera from a distance
– perfect for more dangerous
action sports when you don’t
need to be too close

22 GoPro for Beginners

N
o longer available directly
from GoPro, the Hero3 only
comes in white. Its features Life stories
include built-in Wi-Fi, allowing With HD video rexcording
you to connect to the GoPro app using and numerous ways to
house the device, the Hero3
a dedicated button. The app lets you is perfect for documenting
take control of your camera from your your life’s adventures © GoPro
smartphone, preview shots and connect
to social media. The housing isn’t built-
in so you can remove it. It’s compatible
with the Battery BacPac to extend battery
life, or with the LCD BacPac so you can
preview images. There’s also a Micro-
HDMI output for playback directly from
the camera, and it supports a larger
capacity 64GB microSD card.

Video features
It can capture video at 1080p at 30
frames per second; 960p at 30 frames per
second; or 720p at 60 frames per second.
In 1080p you have a Medium field of
view. The other modes have Ultra Wide,
which fits more in, but can produce a
fish-eye distortion.
Looping Video enables you to record
a continuous loop that overwrites itself
until you press the shutter. This saves SD
memory space while you wait for the
action. The One Button option will start
your recording as soon as you power up.
There’s a built-in mic, but use the Mini-
USB port with an adaptor to connect a
3.5mm microphone input for improved
audio. The Skeleton backdoor can also be
attached to let more audio through.
Photo modes
The camera’s fixed f2.8 lens will help you
to capture shots in low light and create
shallow depth-of-field effects. The Hero3
is also capable of capturing 5MP stills,
but can only fire a burst of images at
3fps. It can also capture a Time Lapse,
where it fires off a shot at intervals of 0.5,
1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds. This enables
you to capture some truly breathtaking
sequences of action images on your
hardy little device.

“When you need to

stand back, simply
connect to the
Smart Remote with
Wi-Fi and control Housing
The housing is not built in, so you are
Portability
The white Hero3 weighs just 2.6 ounces
up to 50 cameras able to remove it, which you can’t do on
the Hero ©GoPro
so it’s ultra-portable and can go wherever
you can.
©GoPro

from 180m”
GoPro for Beginners 23
 Getting started

Hero+ LCD
The entry-level Hero with added upgrades, including an LCD screen, which
is perfect for taking your action videos to the next level

T
he GoPro Hero+ LCD is as an
upgrade to the entry-level
Hero model thanks to the
addition of the handy touch-
screen functionality. This makes it easy
to frame photos while you’re shooting,
change settings, and play back images
on the screen. You’ll have to open the
backdoor of the housing to operate it, so
you can’t use it underwater.
This version is built in to its protective
waterproof housing, so it can’t be
Time Lapse mode
In Time Lapse mode the
removed to use another casing, like the camera shoots stills at set
dive housing. The built-in housing is intervals, which is useful when
waterproof down to 40m. you’re not in a position to access
the camera’s shutter © GoPro

Feature development
This model also has built-in Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth to connect to the Smart
Remote and GoPro app, so you can
control the camera remotely from your
phone or tablet. It’s useful for viewing
images from afar, too. You can also use
Highlight function to tag key footage
while recording, or during playback.
The Hero+ LCD comes with an
in-camera video-trimming feature, which
enables you to shoot footage and trim off
excess from the start and finish in-camera
so you can share your footage when out
and about.
Imaging highlights
This model developed some of the
Hero’s core imaging highlights, including
professional-quality 1080p video at 60
frames per second. It gives 720p at 60
frames per second and 720p SuperView
at 60 frames per second, which offers a
digitally stretched image that extends the
view. In all modes you get an Ultra Wide
field of view.
It has an 8MP sensor for photo captures
and can shoot five frames in one second,
giving a burst of shots with one press of
the shutter.

“This model developed some of LCD versatility

the Hero’s core imaging highlights, The LCD touchscreen lets you trim your
videos easily without having to transfer the
including 1080p video at 60fps” full file to edit on your smartphone.

24 GoPro for Beginners

Touch-sensitive screen
The built-in housing of the Hero
meant an LCD BacPac couldn’t be
attached, but with the Hero+ LCD
a screen for viewing images comes
as standard
Quick shooting
Set the camera to QuickCapture
mode and it will turn on and start
shooting automatically with just
one press of the button – great for
impromptu shoots
Stay connected
With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth you can
control the camera remotely and
also share footage instantly, making
this a good choice for travellers who
want to document trips
Auto Low Light
Also on the Hero, Auto Low Light
detects the lighting conditions and
automatically changes the settings
to let you easily shoot when the
light gets dim
Fast editing
Highlight tag your favourite
moments and then edit your
footage in-camera, without finding
a computer. This makes it quick and
easy to edit then share straight away
Keep shooting
The Hero+ LCD has enough battery
life to let you keep shooting for two
hours continuously, and it supports
microSD cards up to 64GB to give
©GoPro
you enough storage for that footage
GoPro for Beginners 25
 Getting started

Hero
An entry-level camera for families and sports hobbyists that is surprisingly
versatile for capturing great footage on the move

Built-in housing QuickCapture mode 5MP stills

The housing is built in so if you
scratch the lens, you can’t just
replace the outer casing like you
can with newer or higher-end
GoPro models
In QuickCapture mode you can fire
up the camera and start recording
with one button press; activate
Time Lapse by pressing and holding
the button for two seconds
You can capture 5MP photos, which
will be suitable for web and small
prints. If you’re looking for higher
resolutions you need to upgrade
your GoPro device

No Wi-Fi Memory Power

The GoPro Hero doesn’t come
with built-in Wi-Fi and as there’s no
accessory port you can’t add this
on as an added extra either – so be
aware of this before purchasing
The Hero supports microSD Class
10 or UHS-1 cards up to 32GB. This
is a lower capacity than the other
models but sufficient for most
people’s needs
The rechargeable lithium-ion
battery is built in to the camera and
is estimated to last for around 2.5
hours of continuous recording time,
not bad for a tiny device

26 GoPro for Beginners

T
he GoPro Hero is a stripped-
down model aimed at
beginners, but while it
may not have some of the
high-end features that come with
other models, there’s still plenty to
help you capture the moment while
keeping things simple. It comes with
the expected free GoPro Studio editing
software, which you can download to
let you easily edit videos to share with
friends and family.

Simple design & build Mounts

Rugged, waterproof housing allows you
to go to depths of 131 feet (40m), but
it is built-in, which may not suit those
who want to switch between casings,
such as the dive housing. This model is
therefore aimed at those looking for basic
functionality. But with this standard setup,
you’ll still be able to use the Hero in many
different scenarios.
The Hero is small and lightweight
at 3.9 ounces, so perfect for keeping
in your bag for family outings. Other
design features include a wide-angle
lens and a Skeleton backdoor to allow
more audio to reach the camera’s built-
in microphone. Be warned though that
there’s no Micro HDMI port so you can’t
play back images directly to an HDTV,
and there’s no accessory port so you can’t
attach things like the GoPro BacPac.
There are a variety of mounts
available for the Hero. In the box
you’ll find two adhesive mounts,
one curved and one flat, as well as
a quick-release buckle © GoPro
The Hero features
It has 1080p at 30 frames per second
and 720p at 60 frames per second
video options. The QuickCapture
mode lets you power up your camera
and start recording with just one tap.
SuperView mode digitally stretches the
edges of your frame to capture a wider
perspective, taking you from a 4:3 aspect
ratio to 16:9.
As well as video, you can also capture
5MP stills. Burst Photo mode lets you fire
off 10 images at 5 frames per second to
help capture action, or Time Lapse mode
automatically takes a quality shot every
half a second.
Auto Low Light mode reads the
light levels, changing shutter speed to
compensate, so you get brighter shots in
darker environments.
These functions leave you with a
simple-to-use camera that’s good value
for money and perfect for those just
starting out.

“The Hero is small

and lightweight,
perfect for keeping Backdoor
There’s a Skeleton backdoor
in your bag for to allow more audio to reach the
camera’s built-in microphone ©GoPro
©GoPro

family outings”
GoPro for Beginners 27
 Getting started
GoPro mounts
Customise the way you wear your camera and keep
shooting the moments that matter most
G
oPro cameras, by nature,
are rugged and versatile
little things. Just because
they’re compact in size,
however, doesn’t mean they’re not for
serious action shooting. The accessories
that are available for the GoPro systems
are just as versatile as the cameras
themselves, and reflect the wide range of
uses that they were designed to handle.
Whatever your passion, there’s bound
to be a GoPro mount that will help you
28 GoPro for Beginners
Multipurpose
GoPro has a variety of uses, making
it the rugged camera of choice
for sports professionals,
enthusiasts and
gadget-lovers
alike © GoPro
achieve the desired shot and, more
importantly, the best point of view.
You could wear your camera on your
head, mount it to your pooch, or attach
it to your surfboard. Whatever your
purpose, you will want to check out all
the different mounting and holding
options to make sure you capture all
your adventures in the most immersive
Record everywhere
way. With the right mount onboard, you
What sets the GoPro apart from its rivals is
can really unleash the power of your the huge array of mounts that enable you to
imagination to capture epic footage. take it anywhere © GoPro
Handheld
Keep your camera to hand and increase stability and control with versatile handheld options

Lightweight
This mount is very light and
with a comfortable grip, you
can hold the mount anyway
that works for you © GoPro

The Handler
This floating handgrip is perfect for 3 Way extends to 50.8cm tall. The whole
stabilising your footage when you’re This ultra versatile mount is a little mount is waterproof, so you can be
in and out of the water, and it’s super pricier than many of the others on sure it’ll be durable in adventurous
buoyant, keeping your GoPro afloat offer, but because it can be used shooting conditions. It’s versatility
so you can shoot worry-free. It comes in three main ways: as a tripod, means to can give you some really
with an adjustable wrist extension arm or simple grip. Given different points of view depending on
strap for greater camera all this functionality, the 3 Way mount how you choose to angle it.
security, and because really is a worthy investment. For
it’s waterproof to 10m, those who love a selfie, the folding
it really is the perfect arm makes it easy to capture one
water sports accessory. It without the mount appearing in
can provide some really shot. By detaching the handle from
interesting points of view – the arm, it becomes a camera grip
POV shots
depending on where you in its own right. Even more useful is
It’s easy to capture POV shots
choose to hold the mount. the mini tripod that’s stored inside
© GoPro

using the folding arm, without

© GoPro

the handle, which is lightweight but including yourself in the shot

GoPro for Beginners 29

 Getting started

Harness mounts
Whether you want a dog’s eye view or a hat attachment, GoPro has got you covered

Harness up
Shake up your shooting level
by mounting your GoPro in this
fully adjustable chest harness

Chesty (Chest Harness)

When you’re looking for an ultra
immersive perspective, this is the holster
to choose. Because the GoPro is held
at chest level, it’s perfect for shooting
activities where you might want a more
engaging, lower-than-the-helmet view
of the action. For example, when cycling
you’ll capture more of your arms and
Head Strap + QuickClip
This simple harness lets you wear your GoPro directly on your head or over a
helmet, so that you can capture footage from a headlamp-like perspective. Like
all harness mounts, it’s fully adjustable to fit a wide range of
sizes, and there’s a QuickClip included that allows you
to attach it to a
baseball cap.
© GoPro

handlebars. When you have finished

filming you can simply undo the harness
using the Quick Release Buckle, and the
straps are fully adjustable so that you’ll
find a perfect fit. For kids, teenagers
and smaller frames, there’s also a Junior
Chesty available.

30 GoPro for Beginners

Fetch (Dog Harness)
If you thought for one minute that your
furry friends had to miss out on the
action, then you’ll think again with this
mount, which enables you to see from
your dog’s point of view. This harness
features two mounting locations: the
chest (for digging and front-paw action)
and the back (for over-the-head shots
of running, jumping, fetch and more).
Padded to ensure maximum comfort, it’s
also fully adjustable to fit dogs of all sizes,
from 7 to 54kg. Because the material is
washable and water-friendly, your pet can
carry on playing as normal.

Original Wrist Housing

One big selling point of GoPro models
are their unobtrusive size, and the Multipurpose
mount
compact dimensions also mean you
This mount can also be
can carry one in a multitude of ways. attached to sports gear for
How about wearing it like a when you need to keep
watch, using this affordable both hands free © GoPro
wrist housing? The Neoprene and Velcro
© GoPro
strap secures the camera flat against your
wrist, making it a perfect companion
for activities such as snorkelling,
climbing and skiing, when you
want to keep both hands free.
Importantly, it’s quick to pivot the
camera upright as soon as you want
to shoot. The housing fits over bulky
ski gloves, but could also be strapped
to sports gear itself.

GoPro for Beginners 31

 Getting started

© GoPro
Helmet options
Take your camera higher and capture the peak
of the action with a head mount

Helmet Front Mount

Similar in both price and format to the side mount, the Helmet Front Mount
enables the capture of forward-facing footage. There’s an added bonus of an

© GoPro
extendable arm, so that the camera can be angled back at you for self-portrait videos
and photos. Because it mounts to the front of most helmets, its possibilities for use are
really quite endless – take it climbing, mountain biking or skiing.
© GoPro

Side Mount
With this simple mounting option, it’s possible to attach the
camera to the side of both helmets and vehicles. Designed
to minimise vibrations, it’s also adjustable in three directions,
so aiming the angle of recording should be easy. Its side
position means that you can shade the camera from the
sun even on bright days, and it gives a better first-person
perspective for capturing your action.

32 GoPro for Beginners

 © GoPro
Vented Helmet Strap Mount
If there’s ever a bit of sporting gear that you can’t attach a GoPro to, the
NVG Mount company are quick to recognise it and bring out a new mounting option. In this
Although this NVG mount is twice the section, they’ve pretty much covered all the activities you could need a helmet
price of the other helmet alternatives, for, and this particular mount will enable you to attach a camera to any vented
it’s arguably the most rugged and bike, ski, kayak or similar sports head protector. Many users have found multiple
durable option. It mounts to helmets uses for this product, though, doubling it as a backpack strap mount in place of
outfitted with an NVG (night vision the chest mount, or a wrist mount. This represents good value for money when
goggle) mounting plate, and has even you consider that it’s the same price as the others in the helmet category.
been a popular choice for the Army. It
delivers fairly low-profile positioning and
a mounting that’s ultra compact. The
camera should fit snugly into the mount,
so there’s no chance of it falling off while
running. That being said, it unclips quickly
and easily via a small button. Compatible
with all GoPro quick-release cameras, the

© GoPro
NVG mount is a viable option for anyone
who wants an adventure.

Secure mounting
Your camera will be held
securely in this forward-facing
NVG mount © GoPro
©GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 33

Getting started

For everything else

The best of the rest: mounting options that expand your creative perspectives even further

Record gigs
This nifty mount
is sure to come in
useful for recording
at live events © GoPro

Mic Stand Mount

Queen or King of karaoke? Or perhaps Roll Bar Mount
you’ve got some professional concerts This product is just perfect for clamping
you want to share with your fans. Either to the metal or plastic radiator cap of
way, this affordable mount is a great karts, but is at just
way to use your GoPro on a standard as at home on bike
microphone stand, enabling you to frames, bumper bars
capture footage during practice or roof racks. Put
or performance from the best simply, it’ll clamp
point of view. It’s compatible with to any tube that’s
standard US 5/8”-27 mic stands, between 3.5 and
but also includes an adapter 6.35cm, and its 3-Way
for European 3/8”-16 mic Pivot Arm will help
stands. So you’re able to you perfect your
© GoPro

shoot moments from angles in each shot.

© GoPro

your greatest gigs.

 Shoot fast
Suction Cup
This mount is a must if you plan
This small but mighty piece of kit is
to use it at incredibly proven to stay put at speeds of up to
high speeds 150+mph, and can be used on cars,
© GoPro
boats, motorcycles and more. Whether
you want to test it to its limits is up to
you, but the reviews are raving, and the
company says it’s an industrial-strength
product that’s been engineered for
stability and a broad range of motion.
The kit comes with a
standard base and a
quick release base, which
means you can move
conveniently between
shots and locations. The
adjustable arms make it a
compact mount, but to achieve
the maximum holding strength,
you’ll need to attach it to a clean
surface, so make sure to wipe
over any surfaces you plan to
© GoPro

attach it to with an alcohol wipe to

ensure it is the cleanest it can be
before attaching the mount.

Surfboard Mounts
Surely one of GoPro’s most iconic
mounts, this one can attach your beloved
camera to a surfboard, SUP or kayak. This
new style GoPro surf mount is smaller
than the original, but still has enough
surface area to stick securely. It won’t stick
properly to a bodyboard, but the more
compact size means that you can mount
it further up a surfboard so it’s easier to
remove when not in use. You get two
mounts in the pack, and it’s ideal for
using during activities where you need
maximum holding strength. Be sure to Add a Floaty Backdoor
give the mount enough time to bond to Attaching a bright floating
backdoor is a great way to spot
the board, before you go plunging into your camera out in the water
the surf.

GoPro for Beginners 35

 Getting started

Accessories
Equip your GoPro with some additional extras for even better results

Y
our GoPro camera by itself
is a powerful tool, but you
can ensure your results
are even more stunning
by accessorising. There are plenty of
additional extras available to fit your
GoPro, from waterproof cases that protect
your kit both underwater and from
splashes, to lens filters that will give your
captures a more unique look. Another
popular accessory for longer shoots are
portable batteries and chargers. These
extras are vital if you’re planning to shoot
for longer amounts of time than usual, or
if you need to pack light.
Whatever you choose to accessorise
with, you’re guaranteed a much more
pleasing shooting experience.

Batteries & chargers

The GoPro’s battery gives it life, so make sure you have spares and keep them charged

Rechargeable Battery
It’s very important to carry spare batteries around with you,
just in case your camera runs out of power halfway through an
adventure. Not what you want! This is a 1160mAh lithium-ion
rechargeable battery that works with the Hero4, and it costs
£19.99/$19.99. However, there are also rechargeable batteries
available for other camera models too. We can’t stress enough
what a worthwhile investment this is.

Auto Charger
When you are out and about, the GoPro
Auto Charger is the perfect way to keep your battery
topped up. It plugs in to your cigarette lighter in your car,
and there are two USB ports on it so you can even charge
two cameras at the same time, or another device that
uses a USB port. You can keep recording footage while
it is charging too, and an LED light indicates when it has
finished charging. This is a really useful device to make sure
your GoPro stays charged while on the road, as there is
nothing worse than running out of battery mid-adventure!
Spare battery
Purchase a
spare battery to
“There are two USB ports
make sure you
don’t miss a vital
so you can even charge
moment when
your camera dies
two cameras at once”
© GoPro

36 GoPro for Beginners

Dual Battery Charger
This very handy Dual Battery Charger allows you to power up
two batteries simultaneously, so you can ensure your spare
battery’s charge is also maintained, without you having to wait
around. However, if you don’t already have a spare, this comes
with a 1160mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery too.
You’ll find that most standard USB power adaptors will
work with it, as well as the GoPro Auto and the Wall Charger.
A very handy feature is the dual LED lights that let you know
when each battery has finished charging. This charger is for
the Hero4, but there is a slightly different version available for
Hero3 too. It really is a fantastic time-
saving purchase that is a great kitbag
extra at just £24.99/$49.99.
Save time
Being able to charge two batteries at once is a real
timesaver – particularly useful if you’re travelling © GoPro
Battery BacPac
When you’re out on a particularly long shoot this product can
help extend your battery life significantly. It’s a removable item
that attaches to the back of the camera and it’s compatible
with the standard housing.
This version features 15 per cent more capacity than the
previous model, so it’s the perfect partner for extended surfing
sessions or backpacking adventures where you won’t get to
a charging point easily any time soon. It’s a really small item
too, so it won’t weigh down your kitbag. When you do get
back and are able to charge it up, most standard USB chargers,
the GoPro Auto or Wall Charger will do the job just fine. It’s
available for £39.99/$49.99 – well worth the investment.
Clip it on
The Battery BacPac simply clips on the back of the
Hero3, Hero3+ and Hero4 models © GoPro
“Batteries are
vital if you’re
planning to
shoot for longer
amounts of time
than usual”
GoPro for Beginners 37
 Getting started

Lenses & filters

Achieve different effects and protect your kit with these handy filters

Macro Lens Filter

On its own, the GoPro’s lens Neutral Density Filter
will only focus on objects If you don’t already know what one is, a neutral density
that are at least 12 inches (ND) filter is designed to block some light, forcing your
away, so if you want to GoPro to use a slower shutter speed. This has many uses:
capture close-up detail, first of all, it lets you shoot during bright light without
you really need a macro overexposing the highlights. It can also be used to take
filter. This one from Polar longer exposures, resulting in motion blur. And finally, it
Pro gives you 3.8x more will help you in high-vibration environments, such as in
magnification, meaning a car, on a plane, or when it’s attached to a quadcopter.
with it attached you The slower shutter speed that the camera sets with an
can focus on objects ND filter attached will help to
as close as 3 inches. counteract the wobble effect,
Polar Pro offer macro smoothing out your video for
filters for the Hero4, professional results. This ND filter
Hero3+ and Hero3 from Polar Pro works with the
for £40/$59.99 each. Hero4, Hero3+ and Hero 3, and
The filter is made of costs £20/$29.99.
glass for optical quality and it simply snaps into the front of the Alternatives are
lens for hassle-free attaching, meaning you can quickly slot it in available for many
to capture a close-up, then quickly remove it again for normal accessories, though.
shots. It can offer a really intriguing perspective for shots.

Protective Lens & Covers

This lens filter, which is compatible with Anti-fog inserts
the Hero4, Hero3+ and Hero3, is an
absolute must-have if you want to avoid
scratches. It is designed to fit onto the
end of your lens when it’s not in the
housing, keeping dust and dirt away
from the glass. Bear in mind that at
just £15.99/$19.99, it’s much cheaper to
replace a scratched filter than it is to buy
a whole new camera. With that in mind, There is little worse than your
this might be worth considering. footage getting ruined by your lens
steaming up mid-shoot. The Anti-
fog inserts (£14.99/$14.99) simply

“It is designed to fit onto the end of slip into the casing to avoid your
lens fogging up in humid and cold

your lens, keeping dust and dirt away” conditions. © GoPro

38 GoPro for Beginners

 Clear waters
For clear, blue water, such
as in tropical locations,
the red filter works best
© GoPro

Dive Filters
These red and magenta filters are extremely useful for
divers, as the name suggests. They must be purchased
separately (priced at £59.99/$69.99 each) but both work
at depths between 4.5m and 21.3m in order to correct
the colour casts that can occur under water. The red filter
works best in blue salt water or fresh clear water, while
the magenta filter corrects the colour cast that is caused
by green water. The filters fix onto the front easily and
Clear waters
are made from scratch-resistant material. This version is
For clear, blue water, such as
compatible with the Dive and Wrist housing, however, in tropical locations, the red
other versions are available for alternative housing. filter works best © GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 39

 Getting started

Cases & doors

There are a variety of cases and
backdoors available for your kit,
but here are some of the
most useful

BacPac Backdoor Kit Floaty

These backdoors (£10.99/$9.99) work with Standard, Skeleton Backdoors
or Blackout housing and let you fit in an LCD BacPac or This rather ingenious
Battery BacPac. The kit includes little product is
a Standard BacPac absolutely perfect
Backdoor, which is for all you surfers
waterproof up to 40m, out there, because it
and a Skeleton version attaches to your housing’s backdoor in order to help keep it
that has space for you to afloat if it is dropped in the water. Its bright orange colour also
access the ports, helps you to easily spot it against the blue of the water, so you
and the Touch can find and retrieve it again. The pack also comes with two
BacPac Backdoor adhesive anchors and camera tethers to boost its security, and
even enables you it includes spare backdoors for the Standard and Dive Housing.
to use your LCD They really have thought of everything, and it’s worth every
Touch BacPac. penny of its £19.99/$19.99 price tag for the peace of mind.

40 GoPro for Beginners


Dive Housing
The Standard Housing is only waterproof down to depths
of 40m, so if you want to go diving with your GoPro kit,
you’ll need something that will let you submerse it a little
further. This Dive Housing is waterproof down to 60m
and it’s compatible with the Hero4, Hero3+ and Hero3.
It’s a very durable product to be able to handle extreme
activities, and its lens glass is flat to ensure your image
comes out as sharp as possible. It includes the Standard,
Skeleton and BacPac backdoors. If you want to keep your
camera safe and dry, the £49.99/$59.99 is certainly worth it.
Rugged and durable
The GoPro Dive Housing
certainly looks like it could
take a knock or two © GoPro
“Send live content
to your audience”
HeroCast BacPac
If you’re really serious about your
GoPro, this wireless transmitter
connects to the camera to allow you
to send live content to your audience.
It’s aimed at pro broadcasters for live
sports coverage or music events and
should set you back around $7500
(approx £4800). © GoPro
Dual Hero system
It should be noted that the Dual Hero System (£169.99/£199.99)
is only compatible with Hero3+ cameras. This is a housing unit
that will hold two GoPros in tandem, for twice the footage.
Although the Hero4 is able to capture videos and stills
simultaneously, the Hero3+ is not, so having this housing
lets you shoot both at the same time to give you the best
of both worlds. Another use for this product is to record two
synchronised bits of video and then use the free GoPro Studio
editing software to create 3D footage. In order to stop the
process from being too fiddly, you are able to control both
cameras via one camera. So if you’re the lucky owner of two
cameras, you could make the next 3D hit in no time at all!
Mounts
This product works with most mounts and includes two
sets of Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts too © GoPro
GoPro for Beginners 41
 Getting started

Storage drives
Team your GoPro up with a fast and large memory
card to back up your action-packed footage

SanDisk Extreme 32GB microSDHC

This storage card from the well-known and popular SanDisk
(£39.99/$40.99) is compatible with the whole family of Hero
models, and has a capacity of 32GB. However, there is also a
64GB version available if you need more space (£64.99/$79.99).
Its write speed of up to 45MB/s is able to cope with the camera’s
burst photo capture and 4K videos. It is also able to withstand
water, temperature, shock and X-rays. It’s a great storage drive,
reasonably priced, and from a reliable manufacturer.

“This storage card

can work in most
types of climates
between
13o to 185o
Fahrenheit”
Lexar 64GB microSDXC
This card from Lexar (£64.99/$79.99) has a large 64GB capacity,
which makes it absolutely perfect for the big 12MP file sizes
and 4K video. In fact, it is capable of storing more than 15 hours
worth of HD video or up
to 33,000 photos. It’s a
Class 10 card with UHS-I
technology, meaning that
it’s a high-performance
option that delivers
transfer speeds of 95MB/s.
It is even waterproof,
temperature-proof, shock-
proof, vibration-proof and
X-ray-proof. What’s more,
its compatibility with any
GoPro model means it’s
upgrade-proof too!

42 GoPro for Beginners

Cables
Get connected with this variety of cable options for your GoPro input and output

Micro HDMI Cable

To watch footage on an
HDTV you’ll need a micro
HDMI cable to connect your
camera up. This one for
Hero4, Hero3+ and Hero3
can be picked up
for £19.99/$19.99.

Mini USB Composite Cable

For standard definition TVs, you’ll need
this cable to connect your
camera, letting you
play your footage or
3.5mm Mic Adaptor
If audio quality is important to you, then make
watch your videos on
sure you buy this cable, which allows you to use a 3.5mm
a big screen. It’s priced
external microphone with your GoPro. It’s compatible with
at £19.99/$19.99.
the Hero4, Hero3+ and Hero3, and is £19.99.

Combo Cable
If you want the best of both worlds, Smart Remote
this cable has multiple options The Smart Remote (£64.99/ $79.99 allows
you to control your GoPro camera up to
and will only set you back 180m (600 ft). You can turn your camera
£34.99/$39.99. It allows for on or off, start/stop recording, even
get into the settings on a Hero4. It’s
composite video output, waterproof to 10m (33ft) and can control
3.5mm microphone input up to 50 GoPros at once! © GoPro
and USB connectivity.

GoPro for Beginners 43

 Setting up
Get your GoPro
ready for action
in minutes
46 Set up your GoPro
Get your GoPro out the box and
get ready to shoot
50 Use the manual settings
Get to grips with the GoPro’s
manual settings
52 Shoot epic videos on
your GoPro
Take amazing video footage
with your GoPro
54 Capture great photos
Use your GoPro to capture those
random moments
56 Take burst-effect
photos on your GoPro
Get that ultimate shot with
continuous snapping
58 Get to know the menus
Learn the ins and outs of the
GoPro menus
60 Cleaning your GoPro
Keep your camera in good
running order
62 Stay safe when using
your GoPro
Make sure you stay safe doing
outrageous activities

44 GoPro for Beginners

“The GoPro is a clever little
camera that works out the
best settings for the scene
you’re shooting”

GoPro for Beginners 45

 Setting up

Keep it safe
On those occasions when you’re
not out adventuring, keep your
GoPro and its accessories safe

Set up your GoPro

Everything you need to get started with your GoPro, from inserting the Micro SD
card to updating to the latest software

T
he great thing about the
GoPro range is that there is
something for everyone. No
matter the budget, your level
of experience, or whether you’re into
full-throttle, action-adventure pursuits or
simply making music, there is a GoPro
model to suit you.
Currently the brand offers three main
cameras, each with different selling
points: Hero4 Black (the 4K30 touting top-
of-the-range model), Hero4 Silver (even
46 GoPro for Beginners
more MP and touch-screen functionality)
and Hero Session (lighter weight,
compact size and simpler controls).
Alternatively, you might have stored
away one of the older GoPro models: the
Hero (for entry-level users); Hero+ LCD
“Whether you’re into full-throttle, action-
adventure pursuits or simple making
music, there’s a GoPro for you”
(comes with a screen and Wi-Fi); Hero3
White (you can change the housing);
Hero3+ Silver (captures larger images).
Whatever you’ve got, grab it, unbox
everything and let’s begin with our guide
to setting up now.
What’s inside a typical GoPro box?
Discover the important bits supplied with your camera
This is the Hero4 Silver, but Let this manual help you The housing keeps your You can transmit files via
whatever camera you buy through the intricacies of camera protected and USB, which also lets you
you’re in for a treat your new kit waterproof to 40m record while charging

Use these sticky pads The battery can be This mount can be used This white rubber prevents
to stick your camera charged independently as a grip, extension arm accidental release of the
somewhere unusual of the camera or a tripod quick release buckle

GoPro for Beginners 47

 Setting up

Fantastic
extras
After you’re set up, you may find
these bits of kit useful

Gooseneck
(£19.99/$19.99)
What’s a GoPro without
a mount that’s able to get
those shots you just can’t
reach? The Gooseneck is
a bendy option,
compatible
with most
models.

Smart
Remote
(£64.99/
$79.99)
A boon for
photographers
who want to fire
up the camera hands free. It’s not
compatible with the Hero.
01: Battery and card
Remove the camera from its housing simply by opening the backdoor. Slide the latch over on
the battery door and pop in the battery before closing it. On the side you’ll find a memory card
compartment – open it up and push your microSD card into place.

Chesty 02: Rehouse 03: Let’s get filming

(£34.99/$39.99)
There are harnesses and mounts for all
activities, but this chest harness is likely
one of the most versatile out there.
There’s a Junior version, too.
It’s important that you put the housing back on
your camera correctly to ensure that it remains
waterproof and safe from damaging dust and
debris. So slide the camera back into its housing
and close the backdoor by snapping the top
latch down firmly.
To turn the camera on, press the Mode button
on the front. If you press it again you’ll find the
folder of modes, where you can flick between
filming and photography modes. When you’re
ready to record, hit the shutter button and tap it
again to stop.

48 GoPro for Beginners

 “Most models of
GoPro don’t have
screens, which can
make knowing
what you’re
shooting difficult
to get right”
04: Something to see
Most of the GoPros don’t have screens, which
can make knowing what you’re shooting
difficult, so either use the LCD BacPac that
attaches to the back of the camera or download
the free GoPro app to your iOS or Android
smartphone and use it as a live viewfinder if
your camera supports it.

05: Update the software

Updates are being made all the time to ensure
that your camera keeps up with all the latest
upgrades in technology. To make sure your
model is running the latest version of the
software, you’ll need to check in at the website
and follow the instructions found at bit.
ly/1RFjzrd. You can now upgrade wirelessly
using the GoPro app.

Using the GoPro menu screen

01: Make room for
memories
The amount of video you are still able to
shoot or the number of photos you can take
is shown at the bottom of the front LCD next
to the battery level indicator.
02: Modes
Press the Mode button at the front to turn
the camera on and hit it again to find the
Mode folder. Here you select what resolution
to record movies at and what modes to use
when capturing images.
03: Time and Date
Go to Settings and press the top button to
select. Next find Set Up and scroll through
until you get to Date and select it. Once it’s
right just turn the camera off and on again
to set it.

GoPro for Beginners 49

 Setting up
Use the manual
GoPro settings
Take control of your GoPro camera with these
useful manual settings
T
he GoPro is a clever little
camera that works out the
best settings for the scene
you’re shooting. This is great
for those occasions when you don’t have
time to fiddle with the settings, but there
is the option to take control if you need
to. Just press the shutter button to enter
the Settings menu and use the power
button to switch to the next settings
page, or press the shutter button for
more options.
50 GoPro for Beginners
Automatic settings
By default, the GoPro
will automatically adjust
its settings to suit your
surroundings © GoPro
In the Capture Setting sub-menu,
you’ll be able to adjust things like
colour, brightness and even which
way up your video and photos appear.
One of the options, known as Spot
Meter, will change the way the camera
automatically adjusts to the lighting. If
activated, this will ensure the centre of
the frame is exposed correctly when
filming outside from in, for example. Settings adjustments
Another setting to consider is white You may want to change settings when
shooting in very dark or bright scenarios
balance (WB). This controls the colour © GoPro
 “You can tweak the colour, contrast
and saturation of your video in
the Colour Tuning menu”
temperature of the image to ensure it
appears as true-to-life as possible. It’s
measured in Kelvin (K) and varies from
3000K (the coolest temperature) to 6500K
(the warmest). If you’re shooting under
an incandescent bulb, for instance, your
footage may appear quite yellow and
you’ll need to opt for a lower Kelvin value
to get rid of this incorrect colour cast.
This setting will prove invaluable if you
choose to use your GoPro underwater, as
the distribution of light under the sea is
completely different to on land.
If you’re shooting in low light, however,
you may want to play with the ISO. By
default it is set at 6400, which means
that it will make dark rooms brighter.
Adjust the colour tones
Set the white balance to make
sure the colours are true to life
© GoPro
The trade-off is that the results will be
grainy, so for cleaner-looking images,
select a lower ISO limit such as 400.
This won’t affect footage recorded in GoPro on YouTube
daylight, though. Similarly, ISO will play For more advice on settings, check out
an important role underwater, where GoPro’s instructional videos on YouTube
conditions are much darker.
Many of the settings you’ll encounter
with your GoPro are similar to those you’d
find on a larger camera – both amateur
and professional. Take a bit of time to
familiarise yourself with how each setting
affects your images – once you’re used to
it, changing settings will become second
nature. To exit the Settings menu at any
time, simply hold the shutter button for
three seconds.
Spot metering
Turn on spot metering
to ensure the camera
prioritises its exposure
in the centre © GoPro
GoPro for Beginners 51
 Setting up

Shoot epic
GoPro videos
Get to grips with GoPro’s most popular mode
so you’re using the right settings for your scene

V
ideo us undoubtedly the
biggest selling point for
those looking to buy a
GoPro camera. However,
shooting scenes isn’t quite as simple as
you might expect.
The number one thing to get to
grips with in Video mode is resolution.
There are a variety of settings and each
will determine how wide or tall the
footage appears when you play it back.
For instance, 1080 pixels will result in a
widescreen view, but 1440p video will
have a more vertical view. There are also
higher resolutions available on some
models and they will provide greater
detail but larger file sizes. With this in
mind, 1080 is a good middle ground to
use for shooting video.
Another important aspect of your
movie making is frame rate. A typical
video on YouTube or television is
recorded at 30 frames per second (fps),
but some GoPros offer higher frame rates.

Shoot slo-mo
Capture at 1280x720p at 60fps for
spectacular slow-motion results, especially
when recording action scenes © GoPro

52 GoPro for Beginners


“You can use editing software to
reduce the speed for an impressive
slow-motion effect in your footage”
Opt for these when recording stunts
because you can use editing software to
reduce the clip’s speed for an impressive
slow-motion effect in your footage.
Next you’ll want to determine how
much of the scene you record with the
Field of View options. Depending on
what your camera offers, choose Wide for
the widest view possible, Medium for a
slightly zoomed-in effect and Narrow for
a regular look.
By default, the GoPro will automatically
adjust to the scene, but you can change
this by turning on Protune if you have
the Hero3, 3+ or 4. This is the last option
Striking selfies
The wide-angle lens can
record you as well as the
scenery © GoPro
in Capture Settings and it enables you
to alter white balance, colour tuning,
ISO, sharpening and exposure, as well
as enhancing the quality by increasing
the file size. Changing exposure is useful
when you’re recording a particularly
bright or dark scene. Set it to +2.0 to
brighten, and -2.0 to darken the results.
Make sure you record a variety of
angles, close-ups, point-of-view and long
shots in order to create more visually
arresting videos. Getting to grips with
Change perspectives
shooting video may take a little time and
Record plenty of angles to make your videos
patience, but the efforts you put in will more interesting and to give you plenty of
ensure you achieve really excellent results. options while editing © GoPro
GoPro for Beginners 53
 Setting up
Capture great
GoPro photos
Master Photo mode and wow your friends with your
amazing images
A
s you’d expect fro your
GoPro camera, photos
really are the name of the
game. Many users associate
the GoPro with perspective videos of
sports in action, but the GoPro also
provides a very unique point of view
when it comes to still imagery, too.
You’ll find Photo mode near the top of
the Settings menu. Activate this and the
GoPro will act like a regular camera. You
54 GoPro for Beginners
The fish-eye effect
This distorted look can be
used to comical effect when
taking photos of friends
© GoPro
can then choose to leave the GoPro in
automatic mode so that it makes all the
tricky decisions for you.
However, to take more control over
your image making simply cycle to the
Settings menu, press the shutter button
to enter and then press the Mode button
for options. This includes megapixels
Try helpful mounts
(MP), which will affect how large the
A pole mount can help you compose self-
photo will be. There are different options portraits at a flattering angle with plenty of
depending on your camera; the lower background in the shot © GoPro
“There are a variety of filters that attach
to the front of the lens and enhance
the colours of your photos”
the number, the more scaled down the
image will be. While a lower resolution
will take up less space on your memory
card, it’s best to shoot in the largest
resolution and crop images after.
The standard shot on most models has
a slight fish-eye effect, which is due to
the camera’s ultra-wide, 170-degree angle
lens. It crams a lot of background into the
frame, which is ideal for action photos
but may not be appropriate for a portrait.
To change this, select from GoPro’s field
of view (FOV) options. Chose from Ultra
Wide, Medium and Narrow, with the
latter providing a more conventional
appearance and Ultra Wide creating a
fish-eye effect.
Use Waterproof housing
Shoot beneath the waves but always
make sure to attach a protective
waterproof case first © GoPro
It’s also possible to capture both still
and moving footage at the same time
by selecting Photo + Video mode. This
will capture images at set durations while
the GoPro is recording a clip. However,
the downside to this is that pictures are
limited to a lower resolution – but it’s
useful for special one-off occasions.
In addition to Settings, the usual basic
rules of photography apply. Always take
practical elements into consideration,
such as the direction of the sun and
whether you have enough foreground
and background interest to ensure your
photos are the best they can be. Without Simultaneous shooting
Switch to Photo + Video mode to record
thinking about the image itself, you
video and capture photos at the same time
might not get the shot you expect. © GoPro
The field of view
The standard shot
comes with a fish-eye
effect, but it can
be changed
in Settings
© GoPro
GoPro for Beginners 55
 Setting up
Take burst-
effect photos
Use the Continuous Photo mode so you can fire multiple
shots so you’ll never miss the moment
C
ontinuous Photo mode
enables you to take a
series of images in quick
succession by holding down
the shutter button. It’s designed for
capturing fast-moving subjects such as
a sports event, where an ill-timed shot
56 GoPro for Beginners
could mean missing the crucial moment.
By providing the photographer with
plenty of photos to choose from, they are
free to select the best from the bunch,
or even stitch a sequence of images
together using editing software for a
creative result.
Take a burst
Shoot a succession of shots
quickly to make sure you capture
the best image © GoPro

“Capture multiple shots using
Continuous Photo mode and then
stitch them together”
This mode is indicated by an icon of
a camera and will turn the GoPro into
a conventional point-and-shoot. Once
Continuous Photo is enabled, you will be
able to take photos nonstop for up to 30
images at a time.
They can be taken at different rates;
three shots per second (SPS), five per
second or ten per second. Once the
camera has reached 30, it will pause
in order to write the image files to the
camera’s SD card, regardless of the
resolution or rate you’re shooting at. This
only takes a few seconds and then you
will be free to start another continuous
sequence of images.
If you have selected Continuous Photo
mode and you find that only a couple
of images have been captured, this is
Burst in action
© GoPro
probably because the shutter button was
released too early. Make sure you hold it
down for the entire duration to get the
maximum number of photos. However, if
the opposite is true and you end up with
a whole batch of pictures with a single
press of the shutter, then you may have
selected Burst Photo mode instead. This
will capture lots of images in an even
shorter length of time, but it takes twice
as long to save the files to the camera.
© Joakim Sommer
Ultimately, Continuous Photo mode
will provide you with the best chance
of capturing a split-second moment.
For slower scenes, opt for the five-per-
second option, but make sure you use
the ten-per-second burst mode if you’re
photographing fast-paced action like
skateboarding or stunts.
GoPro for Beginners 57
 Setting up

Get to know the menus

Get to grips with the GoPro menus, where to find the different functions
and what each of the symbols means

“To exit the Setting menu at any time,

simply hold the shutter button
down for three seconds”
58 GoPro for Beginners
Key
Auto Low Light On-Screen Display

Auto Off Orientation

Beeps Playback Mode

Burst Photos/Multi-Shot Mode Protune

Color QuikCapture

Continuous Photos Rate

Date/Time Setup Mode

Default Mode Sharpness

Delete Shutter

Exposure Value Compensation Single Photo/Photo Mode

Field of View Spot Meter

Frames Per Second Time Lapse

Interval Touch Display

ISO Limit Video Format

LEDs Video + Photo

Looping Video/Video Mode

Megapixels Video Resolution

Night Lapse White Balance

Night Photo Wireless

GoPro for Beginners 59

 Setting up

Cleaning your GoPro

Keep your lens clean to ensure dirty marks don’t appear in your
videos. All you need are two cheap bits of kit

W
ith seawater, sand, mud
and other undesirable
substances often being
part of the locations
where you’re most likely to use the
camera, keeping your GoPro clean
is extremely important. Not only will
this keep it looking and performing at
its best, but it will also stop all that dirt
and grime from ruining your important
footage. If you use your GoPro at sea,
the salt water could prove harmful over
time if not cleaned away properly. After
a salt-water dive, soak the housing of
your GoPro device in fresh water and
always store your kit in a protective bag
to avoid further dust and dirt building
up. Then make sure you use our step-
by-step guide to clean the camera’s lens,
otherwise you may start to see dust spots
appear in your footage.

60 GoPro for Beginners

01: Remove dust
If there is dirt, it’s important not to scrub it,
as you’ll scratch the glass. Use a blower to
move dust off without you having to touch
the lens with your fingers.

02: Remove smudges

To get rid of grime or fingerprints, GoPro
recommends not using a cleaning solution.
Simply breathe on the lens to fog it up and
gently wipe it with a micro fibre lens cloth.

03: Keep other kit clean

Avoid dirt getting back onto the lens again
by simply making sure your housing and
bag are clean. Use the blower in the bag’s
creases and the cloth on the housing.

“Keeping your
GoPro clean
is extremely
important”

GoPro for Beginners 61

 Setting up

Stay safe
Make sure you put your safety
first when filming a movie
or shooting some stills
with the GoPro © GoPro

Stay safe using

your GoPro
Don’t get carried away or take risks with the camera
Prepare before you set off

W
e often put our pursuit
of art above all things,
but putting it above
our own personal
safety and the safety of others is just
plain stupid. It is absolutely vital to try
to reduce risks when out shooting. There
are many ways you can shoot and stay
out of harm’s way; here’s some advice on
staying GoPro safe!
The most logical thing to do is to tell
someone where you’re going, with
whom and when you’ll be back. If your
plans change, be sure to update the
person with a text to keep them in the
know. It’s advisable to never go off for
Check the forecast
a shoot without a fully charged phone
Extreme locations call for extreme
battery, as it really could make the preparation. If the weather forecast isn’t
difference if you find yourself stranded. ideal, then put off your shoot © BA Turkish

62 GoPro for Beginners


“Don’t rely on your phone as you might
find yourself without signal; bring a
map and compass too”
Check the weather
Be sensible and make sure you always
check the weather forecast for the day
of the shoot, then pack your backpack
and vehicle accordingly. So, if it’s going to
rain, take waterproofs, a towel and spare
dry clothes and shoes. If the weather
forecast predicts a scorcher of a day, be
sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen
and a hat. For cold climates, extra thermal
clothes and a thermos of a hot drink will
be appreciated, plus keep a blanket, extra
food and water, a torch and shovel in
your car’s boot – just in case a small snow
flurry turns into a full-blown blizzard.
Shooting from heights
It doesn’t take a genius to know to
take extra precautions when shooting
from heights, but there are sometimes
things we just can’t predict, so we’re
going to cover all the bases just in case.
When using your camera on the top
of a building, cliff tops or a steep drop,
pay plenty of attention to the real world
instead of just watching the action
through the LCD. Watch your footing and
if you want to reach out over the edge as
far as you can to get the shot, then use
one of GoPro’s compatible mounts.
Wear protective clothing
Part of the attraction to GoPro products
is that they are designed for adrenaline-
fuelled sports and action-adventure
lifestyles, but just because your GoPro
camera can withstand a few knocks and
scrapes, doesn’t mean that you can. Make
sure you always wear the appropriate
safety gear and always put your safety
first; the GoPro can be replaced, but you
certainly can’t.
Essential
safety gear
Head Strap & QuickClip £20/$20
This handy headgear allows you to
fasten your GoPro to your head or a
backwards-facing baseball cap, making
it ideal for those who want to look good
while being safe, such as snowboarders,
skateboarders or surfers.
Wrist Housing £40/$50
Compatible with the Hero4, Hero3+
and Hero3, the Wrist Housing, with
touch display functionality, is the only
choice for those who enjoy full throttle
activities where holding the camera is
out of the question.
All © GoPro
Helmet Front Mount or
Side Mount £15/$15 each
For fast and furious activities where
protective headgear is a must, the
Helmet Front Mount or Side Mount
leave your hands free to concentrate
on staying safe. Bikers, snowmobilers,
kayakers and pot holers: take note.
GoPro for Beginners 63
 Using your GoPro
Discover what your GoPro is truly
capable of in any environment
66 Get to know the GoPro
Studio software
Familiarise yourself with GoPro’s
free desktop editing software
68 Introducing the GoPro
smartphone app
Sync with your smartphone
72 Control your GoPro
with Apple Watch
Remotely control your GoPro
74 Use your GoPro on
the water
Get wet when out filming
80 Capture your day in
the snow
Capture footage straight from
the piste
“GoPros are the
modern musician’s
best friend”
64 GoPro for Beginners
86 Take it to the extreme
Take amazing footage of
adrenaline pumping sports
90 Take it up a gear
Capture your bike-fuelled
adventures on GoPro
94 Film on the run
Get your running shoes on
98 Hit the road
Go drive with your GoPro
104 Film with man’s
best friend
Find out what your pets do
when you’re not looking
108 Strike a chord
Film gigs from more
interesting perspectives
©GoPro
GoPro for Beginners 65
 Using your GoPro
Get to know
GoPro Studio
Import, cut, and create mini masterpieces easily with
the GoPro Studio desktop app
Y
our adventure is done,
but the real work is yet to
begin. After installing the
free GoPro Studio software,
simply attach your GoPro camera to your
computer to access your footage. You
can select ‘Add Media’ by accessing your
connected GoPro via the GoPro app. This
will import your footage to a preset or
chosen destination, or you could choose
66 GoPro for Beginners
to import your files directly via the Studio
software. Either way, it is wise to set your
save directory to a location where you
know you’ll have a good amount of
storage space, as later, when you begin
to convert footage, the newer files will
begin to take up space as well.
With your footage imported, safe and
sound, it can streamline your workflow to
rename certain files according to content.
Edits made easy
Use one of the preset templates that the
GoPro Studio offers, this will get you editing
your footage quickly and easily
Add some sound
GoPro will allow you to import
audio as well as footage so,
combining these with the
manual adjustments panel,
you can tailor your footage
to flow smoothly
and look consistent too

Making your mark
Once your footage has been imported
and saved to your chosen directory, open
the GoPro Studio app. Here you can
import all the preexisting content you
may need, be it audio or video. You will
find the ‘Import New Files’ tab on the far
left of the panel, so click to locate the files
you need and they will appear below.
Now you can get started with trimming.
In the View and Trim mode, it’s best to
look at the layout of the Studio in three
stages: selection, trimming, processing.
To begin with, select your file and it will
appear in the main panel where you can
mark the start and end of your clip. Once
done, click Add Selected to Conversion
List. Your selection is now being
converted into an editable file for use in
the next stage.
Get creative and share
With your files converted, all that is left to
do is arrange your footage and export.
Select the ‘Edit’ tab where you will have
Working with
timelines
1: Learn the timeline of things
In the Edit panel, drag your audio file
into the music timeline. First the app
will show you approximately how long
your video will last and how much
space you have to edit into, so it’s
important to be concise with your cuts.
the options to either choose a template
or create your own masterpiece. Start by
dragging your music file into place, then
find your starting visual (whichever piece
of footage you want to open with). Your
file will then become editable, and new
‘Mark In Points’ will become available.
Move the anchors into position for the
2: Introduce yourself
start and finish points of your clip, then Select Title to open a text editing panel
drag your footage into the timeline. where you can create a title, credit or
intro. Select Font and Fade options
When all of your footage is edited and
or get creative with colour and letter
all of your fades and cuts are in place, spacing. Once done, your title will be
available in your file list.
you can treat and grade your footage.
Do this by accessing the Adjustment
tabs on the right hand side of the Edit
panel. Here you will be able to adjust
and compensate basic elements such as
brightness and white balance; you can
also apply presets which will do all of the
work for you.
Now that your footage is edited, 3: Splice and dice
graded and fits to the beat, it’s time to With a title in place and the audio
ready, select your first clip. Use the
export your file. Select the Final Export Mark In and Out anchors to set your
tab, where you will be given a guided clip length and drag it into the video
choice as to where you want to save your timeline. On the second time you will
see a plus sign so you can insert a fade.
video with all of your settings preset.
GoPro for Beginners 67
 Using your GoPro
Introducing
the GoPro spp
Control your GoPro using the free smartphone app
E
ven if you own a GoPro with a
touch-sensitive screen, it can
be a challenge to compose
a shot, especially when the
camera is in an inaccessible place. Of
course, you can buy a dedicated GoPro
Smart Remote to change camera settings
and trigger recordings, but this solution is
quite expensive and won’t help you with
a shot’s composition.
68 GoPro for Beginners
Portable Shoot
Compose, shoot and share your
GoPro footage using GoPro app
and a portable device
The free GoPro app enables you to
compose your shots using Live Preview,
record and play back video clips, and
then even share them on the go – all
from the comfort of your smartphone or
tablet’s screen. You can also use its portal
to the GoPro Channel to discover other
Photo of the Day
GoPro user’s content and get inspiration
Be inspired by viewing video content on the
for your own shoots. A nice addition is GoPro Channel and peruse the Photo of the
that the app is now compatible with the Day via GoPro app

Apple Watch, which brings an exciting
wealth of possibilities to the fore, such as
the ability to preview shots, control your
camera and even add Highlight tags.
Where can I get it from?
Before you can remotely control your
GoPro you’ll need to download the free
GoPro app onto your smartphone or
tablet device. You can download GoPro
app from the App Store if you’re using
an iPhone or iPad, or Google Play for
Android devices. The app will also run
on Windows phones. It is compatible
with Hero4, Hero3+, Hero3, Hero Session
(you may need to update the camera
software) and also with the HD Hero2 if
you’ve purchased a Wi-Fi BacPac.
Get connected
When GoPro App is installed on your
portable device you must pair it with
your GoPro via Bluetooth. This pairing
process is a one-off procedure. Once the
app has paired with your device, you’ll
use a Wi-Fi link to transfer data between
your camera and your phone.
The GoPro app will talk you through
the process of how to connect your
camera to your smartphone. This process
varies between GoPro models. In our
sidebar tutorial we demonstrate how
to pair an iPhone with a Hero4 as an
example. Once you’ve successfully paired
your GoPro to your phone or tablet you
can select it via Wi-Fi. You’ll also be able
to replace your GoPro’s generic name
with an easier-to-identify label so that you
can connect to your camera in a location
where other GoPro users are operating
(such as a skate park). A personalised
password will also help protect your
GoPro from being accessed by other
GoPro app users.
Live Preview
Once you have got your GoPro talking
to your smartphone or tablet you will be
Sync the
GoPro app
01: Pair app with GoPro
Launch the app. Click the Settings icon.
Choose Connect Your Camera. Tap the
camera model. Turn on your GoPro’s
Wi-Fi and select the GoPro app menu
option. A pin number will appear on
your GoPro screen.
02: Create name and password
Select your camera. Tap Pair My
Camera, and then enter the pin
number that shows on the GoPro’s
display. Next, tap Pair. Create a
personalised camera name and
password for your GoPro. Tap Continue.
03: Take control
Go to your iPhone’s Wi-Fi Settings and
select the personalised GoPro camera
from the list. Enter your password to
connect to the GoPro via Wi-Fi. You
can now go to the GoPro app and tap
Connect & Control.
GoPro for Beginners 69
 Using your GoPro

able to shoot video and capture stills with
utmost confidence, as you can preview
precisely what the GoPro is going to
capture using the GoPro app’s Live
Preview video feed. As well as enabling
you to produce a perfect composition,
Live Preview helps you to avoid the
disappointment of filming an awesome
Live Preview
stunt and then realising that the camera
Use GoPro app’s Live Preview video feed
for more control was misaligned and actually missed the
incredible action!
By playing your GoPro’s captured
footage back on a smartphone’s larger
screen, you are able to check that it looks
perfect while you are still on location,
enabling you to work out if an immediate
re-shoot is necessary. After viewing the
footage you may decide that you need
to set your GoPro to shoot with a wider
or narrower field of view to suit your
subject matter. Normally, changing a
setting like the field of view would take

Setting information Capture modes Adjust settings Action!

Here we can see that we’re
shooting at a resolution of
1080 and a shutter speed
of 30 fps, with a Medium
field of view
Click on this icon to select a
Capture mode (such as Video,
Photo or Multi-Shot). You can then
choose a particular mode such as
Video or Time Lapse Video
Tap here to choose
a setting to suit your
subject matter, such
as aspect ratio, shutter
speed and field of view
When you’re happy
with your settings and
composition, tap the big
red button to capture video
or stills on your GoPro

70 GoPro for Beginners


multiple button presses in order to access
the appropriate sub-menu. By using the
GoPro app, you can change the field of
view in just three taps!
A recent enhancement to the GoPro
app also lets you pull high-quality
still images from your videos. As you
can imagine, this means that you can
obtain some stunning shots in amongst
the action to highlight an expression,
explosion – anything. You can then share
them instantly with other people straight
from the app.
Extra Adjustments
01 White balance
Setting White Balance to Native, you can
use GoPro Studio to experiment with more
accurate White Balance settings.
Resolution
To share footage
to a social-
network site via
your iPhone,
shoot using a
lower resolution
Highlight tags
If you are filming a subject using cameras
such as the Hero4 Silver you are able to
tap the Live Preview window’s Highlight
tag icon to flag up an important or
significant moment. This tag will may
make it much easier for you to find that
precise moment when you import the
footage into the desktop GoPro Studio
app later on. You can also view Highlight
tags as yellow bars on the timeline when
you play back your footage on the GoPro
app itself, which can be handy.
02 ISO
A high ISO makes the camera more sensitive
to light, but this can add picture noise. You
can drop the ISO Limit to reduce noise.
Take manual
control
01: Set up Protune
In the app, set the capture mode to
Video. Then tap on the Settings icon
to access the Video Settings window.
Now, scroll down to Protune and tap
in order to access its manual image-
adjusting controls.
02: Ensure natural colours
Click on Color and choose Flat. This
mode creates more subtle and natural
colours that you can tweak in editing
apps (such as GoPro Studio) to get a
specific look. It also captures more
shadow and highlight detail.
03: Improve exposure
When shooting in contrasting lighting
conditions, make sure you use the EV
Comp (exposure value compensation)
slider to open up or close down the
GoPro’s aperture and ultimately get a
better exposure.
GoPro for Beginners 71
 Using your GoPro

Quick use
Using the Preview
Mode is a great way
to ensure you get ‘the
shot’ every time. You
can also use it to get
the right angle

Control your GoPro

with Apple Watch
Use Apple Watch with your GoPro, to start your
adventure with the tap of a wrist

I
n a bid to make things even easier
for you to control and use your
camera, GoPro have partnered
with Apple and created an Apple
Watch app. Your Watch acts like a
remote controller, capable of previewing
your shot, adjusting modes and marking
highlights as you go along. Of course,
there are other options available as
far as remote controllers go, but what
could be better than a remote that does
everything, on your wrist?
With your Apple Watch and iPhone
already paired, power up your GoPro and
turn on its Wi-Fi to pair your iPhone to
your GoPro. Then, open the GoPro app
and connect it to your camera with your
phone. Once all of this is done, you can
put your phone away and start recording
from your wrist.

72 GoPro for Beginners


Preview, not review
When you open up the app, your Watch
will instantly be turned into a remote
control. On the opening screen you’ll see
a red push button, it is here that you can
begin using the app to its fullest. You can
press the red button to record video, or
use the Digital Crown to cycle through
the different modes such as Burst Mode,
Stills Mode, Time Lapse or Video. It’s
worthwhile noting that, whereas you
can’t review the footage shot on your
Apple Watch (your phone will do that just
fine), you can see a preview by swiping
right. This mode is really geared up to
allow you the opportunity to compose
and set up your shot rather than use it as
a view finder.
When using the Preview Mode, you will
also be shown the settings your footage
is recording in, such as Definition, Frame
Rate and Lens Mode. It’s also worth
noting that if you’re cycling, or need to
use gloves, then bear in mind that they
may not work with your Watch’s screen.
However, you can purchase iGloves.
Utilise
Highlights
Minimal effort
With the GoPro
app on your Apple 01: Open up the app
Watch, capture all of Make sure that your GoPro and
your most treasured Apple Watch are connected and
memories with one communicating. Scroll through your
touch of the wrist app list and open up the GoPro app.
Once it’s open, select the Record Mode
for filming.
Highlights
As with many remote triggers, the Apple
Watch app also holds the potential to
mark your footage with a highlight
marker while filming. So you can set
your GoPro running, and when a special
moment arises, hit the yellow highlight
marker. The button is easily located, it’s 02: It’s all yellow
the record button, and it will go from a While you are recording footage, make
sure you stay vigilant for the moment
red button when pressed to the yellow you are looking for and when it
highlight button when recording. presents itself, hit the Highlight button.
This will make sure you have the
When recording you will see a “Busy” moment stored.
notification on your Watch screen, letting
you know that your GoPro is in use.
Highlights is quite possibly one of the
best editing aides a film maker could
have when it comes to sifting through
hours of footage. It will streamline your
workflow allowing you (when in the edit),
to see the files you’ve highlighted. Each
03: File list priorities
highlighted file will have a yellow tag on Your footage is now safe and imported
it in the file list, and when your file is on into your file list, and this is where you
the Editing Suite’s timeline, you will see a will see the tagged files. Select one of
the segments you wish to view and,
yellow marker at the time the button was when open in the timeline, you will see
pressed. This gives you an even better the time-stamped highlight marker.
overview of your work.
GoPro for Beginners 73
 Using your GoPro

Use your GoPro

on the water
Capture every heart-stopping moment whether it’s catching
the wave of your life or racing through river rapids

The ultimate selfie

The GoPro lets you film or
photograph any moment
of your life and the water
sports accessories on
offer make your coolest
memories unforgettable
© GoPro

74 GoPro for Beginners

T
he foolproof water-resistant housing
that comes with your GoPro makes it
ideal for taking out on – or under – the
water. Grabbing yourself an adhesive
mount is an excellent idea if you want to shoot
surfing or body boarding, with flat and curved
mounts available. Even if you’re planning to visit
the deep sea, GoPro offers a dive housing that is
waterproof to 60 metres (200 feet), which should
be just enough for any keen surfer.
A handlebar mount is a jet skier’s best friend
and kayakers can get a camera rig that attaches
to the front of the boat, too. These mounts are
ideal for filming from an elevated height for a
more unique perspective, while not obscuring
your view of the open ocean.
There are a range of accessories and extras that
are perfectly suited for water shooting, so read on
to discover exactly how you can make the most
of your time on water with your GoPro.
GoPro for Beginners 75
 Using your GoPro
Snorkel selfies
Swimming with wildlife is an
incredible experience. Take your
GoPro along for the ride with
you, but get yourself a bobber
mount first. It’s easy to hold and
it will stop your camera from
sinking to the seabed
© GoPro
The GoPro range of cameras were
made for the water and can be used in
countless ways to create the perfect shot.
Surfers can stick a permanent mount to
their board to ilm themselves or use a
head or chest mount for POV footage.
GoPro makes a speciic kit for surfers
that includes safety tethers and a locking
board plug to make sure the camera has
no chance of escape.
Windsurfers, kitesurfers and sailors have
the advantage of ixing their camera up
high. When rigging your windsurf, use
a clamp mount or an adjustable watch-
strap mount to ix the camera to the mast.
Angle the camera where you want, and
experiment with what height works best.
Filming when windsuring is easy because
you can adjust your camera with ease.
Just by dropping the windsurf sail you can
access the top of the mast.
76 GoPro for Beginners
Mounting a GoPro to a bigger boat’s
mast is a completely diferent story,
however. Be sure to attach it when
rigging the boat, ideally before the mast is
erected. If you forget, a quick capsize is a
great opportunity to ind your way to the
top of the mast. If the idea of attaching
your GoPro to the mast doesn’t appeal
to you, there are plenty of other places
around the vessel to attach your camera,
from metal railings, atop the engine or
even just the bow, which all provide a
unique viewpoint.
GoPros are also excellent for capturing
what’s going on beneath the water’s
surface, so ixing it to the underside
of your board or boat can result in
phenomenal footage. If mounting the
camera in this way, make sure you attach
a loating device in case it gets dislodged.
SCUBA diving with a GoPro is a dream,
 Surf’s up
Permanent sticky mounts
allow you to record or
snapshot all the action
your surfboard sees, or you
can flip the camera so it
records what you see. You
might just capture action
that could go viral
© GoPro

Capture with Climb the rigging

your kayak Get the authentic pirate experience
You can easily by attaching your GoPro camera
record sports that to your boat mast. If the metal is
require two hands by too thick for this, try attaching it to
mounting your GoPro a rope or metal shroud that keeps
directly to the hull of the sail in place instead
your kayak. If not, get © GoPro

yourself a helmet with

its own mount to be
able to film yourself
from above
© GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 77

 Using your GoPro

Get into the blue

Take your GoPro on the
ultimate underwater
adventure if you’re
SCUBA certified. Either
film your entire dive or
take snapshots when you
spot something worth
capturing, but make
sure the water visibility is
good enough
© GoPro

78 GoPro for Beginners


as it leaves both your hands free when
under the water so you can explore your
surroundings unhindered. This means
that you can really focus on the shot
that you’re after, as you’ve got complete
freedom to swim freely, and your GoPro
is itted in a position that will provide
exceptional results. Deep divers can even
get ilters to attach to the housing to
correct colours in murky or deep water.
Red light disappears after descending 30
to 40 metres (100 to 130 feet), so a ilter
can make a real diference to your shots.
If you’re reluctant to plunge your
precious camera straight into the water,
try testing the housing irst. Submerge
the empty casing in a bucket or bathtub
and watch closely for air bubbles. If a
steady stream of bubbles emerges from
the plastic, it’s likely that there is water
getting in somewhere. Make sure the
Keep your kit safe
Use the Floaty Backdoor (inset) to make your
camera float if you drop it into the water, and the
bright orange colour will also make it stand out so
you can quickly spot it. Use an adhesive mount like
the one shown here (above) to keep your camera
attached safely to your water sports equipment
“Deep divers can get filters to attach
to the housing to correct colours in
murky or deep water”
casing is properly locked in place and try
again. If the bubbles continue, contact the
manufacturer and get a replacement. Any
sign of bubbles from the housing is proof
that something’s not quite right.
Perhaps the most important thing to
bear in mind when using a GoPro in water Diving with
is to keep it clean. After every water sports
session – especially if you’ve spent time
GoPro
Before taking your precious camera
shooting in salt or chlorinated water – down, take the empty housing
be sure to soak the housed camera in a on a test run first. Then snap your
waterproof housing in place around
bucket of fresh water for up to an hour. your charged camera, making sure
Make sure that you let the casing (with the memory card is in. Use an elastic
body mount, or grab a mask with a
the camera inside) dry completely before built-in mount so the camera picks up
you decide to open the housing and everything your eyes do.
remove your camera.
GoPro for Beginners 79
 Using your GoPro

Capture your
day in the snow
Snow-topped mountain, check. Snowboard/skis, check. Thermals,
salopettes, beanie hat and goggles, check. Now all you need to experience
that snow-fuelled adrenaline rush is your GoPro to capture all the action!

T
hat fantastic white snow, that crisp mountain air,
that high you get from performing a McTwist,
Tamedog or Frontside Misty… you just can’t beat
it. And thankfully the GoPro is capable of capturing it
in all its clear, sharp and bright glory.
But having a GoPro camera is one thing; knowing exactly
how to use it properly on the slopes is quite another. Whether
you’re after first-person perspectives from your own skiing
adventures of you’re looking to capture the action of yourr
fellow slope-riders, there are plenty of ways for you to use your
GoPro and embrace creativity in your captures – you just need
to know how to make the most of your kit.
That’s why over the next few pages we’ve spoken to two of
the world’s greatest GoPro-using snow sports enthusiasts to
clue you in on what mounts and settings to use, what to focus
on and more.

80 GoPro for Beginners

 GoPro in the snow
The GoPro’s ability to connect to boards, skis,
helmets and your body makes it the ideal
camera to shoot with while on the slopes
© Hiishii

GoPro for Beginners 81

 Using your GoPro

Airborne Allstar
“Well the main thing is that your
filmer is a solid rider or skier and
ready to follow you wherever
you go, because in my opinion
follow-cam brings out the
best action on to the
screen. It’s so dynamic
and entertaining to
watch,” suggests
snowboarding
Olympian Peetu
Piiroinen
©David Malacrida

More people are falling in love with
adrenalin-fuelled piste pursuits than ever
before, thanks mainly to their growing
inclusion in global audience-reaching
events like the Winter Olympics. Not only
have snow sports become incredibly
popular to watch, but more and more of
us are tempted to give them a go, and
what better way to capture our triumphs
and tribulations than with a camera
speciically designed for this adventure-
driven experience.
Finland’s Peetu Piiroinen, four times
TTR World Champion, not to mention
silver-medal Olympian, is a huge advocate
of the GoPro, claiming that having the
camera around helps to push him to
greater heights.
“It always gives us an extra boost when
there’s a camera around,” Piiroinen states.
“I’ll go bigger, focus 100% on each trick to
be as stylish as possible. Also it’s a great
tool when trying something new so I can
see what I could do better or diferent
while in the air or on a rail.” That’s not the
only reason the GoPro Hero4 Black edition
is the 27-year-old snowboarder’s weapon
of choice. “It’s the best in range and even
though we usually don’t ilm 4K with it for
our little online edits, it has the possibility
when we’re doing bigger productions.
All-in-all GoPro is a great little tool with big
features; it’s easy to use, there’s no need
for big camera bags… and most of the
time I’m riding with friends and so we
take turns ilming so that everybody gets
some shots and no one needs to stand
around by themselves with a camera.”
Piiroinen, who mainly uses his GoPro
with a 3 Way mount, predominantly
captures follow-cam footage and has no
problem sharing his shooting secrets.

82 GoPro for Beginners

 In the action
“I prefer to see the movement,” says Peetu Piiroinen. “Seeing
the whole trick from start to end and filming full lines is in my
opinion the best way to go. If there’s a need for stills you can get…
screengrabs afterwards” © David Malacrida

High quality
“The new GoPro Hero4
Star settings Black is the best camera for
“Use your GoPro at at least 1080p. When adventure sports on the market
you watch it on the big screen you’ll right now,” says Tom Klocker.
see why,” suggests medal-clad Austrian “Good quality is so important
Snowsports star, Tom Klocker © Hiishii nowadays” © Hiishii

Enthusiast BA Turkish on using GoPro

Amateur BA Turkish explains why he uses a GoPro to record his action-packed videos
What do you use GoPro for? What is your proudest
© BA Turkish

I mainly use it for action/sport shoots. I also GoPro achievement?

used several GoPros for an automotive shoot
where we mounted the cameras on different
vehicles. But I’m planning on using it for
cinematographic purposes and more scenic
shoots as well.
What is it about using a GoPro camera that
appeals to you more than other options?
It opened up a very new branch of shooting
video. Because of it’s compactness and
features you have more possibilities for
perspectives and a creative way of filming.
Frost. I’m not a pro snowboarder so it didn’t
have any crazy moves in it. But I think I did
a pretty good job editing it. [See it here: bit.
ly/1BWcWrl]
What’s your GoPro advice?
When shooting action footage, quality
and look very much depend on weather
conditions. The best footage I got was
when there was a lot of sun and no clouds.
Everything casts harder shadows and has
more structure and looks more detailed.

GoPro for Beginners 83

 Using your GoPro

Snowboarding shots
Both Austria’s Tom Klocker and
Finland’s Peetu Piiroinen, are
huge fans of the GoPro and
use it regularly to capture film
footage and image stills while
they are snowboarding alone
or with friends © Hiishii

84 GoPro for Beginners

 © GoPro
“For settings, I select 60fps and 1080p
minimum. I have the camera setting
on Wide” – Peetu Piiroinen
“We always try to keep the distance as
even as possible for the whole run, so stay
as close as possible to the subject at all
times, but at a safe distance, as you don’t
want to land on your buddy if he crashes.
For settings, I select 60fps (it’s good for
slo-mo shots) and 1080p minimum. I
have the camera setting on Wide, which
helps keep the subject constantly in
frame and aim at the midsection of the
rider so you won’t lose him/her. When
you get that right and you’re ilming in
sunny conditions with some trees etc for
contrast, you’ll get sick material to take
back to the edit table.
“On long ilming days we mark the
good shots right away onto a phone to
make the edit quicker. I like a lot of action-
packed short edits, so we usually don’t
have very long approaches to obstacles,
just good old-fashioned action. The
more you practice the better you’ll get at
editing, ilming and riding. Just have fun
on the slopes and you’ll catch some good
memories on your personal memory
bank and on your camera’s memory card!”
There are many ways that you can
choose to mount your GoPro when you’re
shooting on snow. On-body harnesses
and straps are always a irm favourite,
but if you’re looking to capture a more
unique perspective, why not try attaching
your GoPro to your to a pole mount?
You can even mount your GoPro to the
end of your ski or snowboard for a more
dramatic perspective!
Snowboarder
Tom Klocker
on GoPro
Pro boarder Tom Klocker tells us
why he chooses to use a GoPro and
why it works so well for him
© Hiishii
Why do GoPro cameras mesh well
with snow sports?
You can just use it so easily; press
record and it’s on, plus it’s small… you
can bring it everywhere and the quality
is amazing. When we’re filming, we
always use GoPros for second angles
and creative ‘on-the-head’ angles.
Which GoPro do you use?
The Hero4 Black, because the quality is
just breathtaking when you record 2.7K
or even better 4K.
What mount do you prefer?
Mostly I use it with a stick and hold it
in my hand, but sometimes I use it on
my head.
What advice do you have for fellow
GoPro users?
When you use a GoPro on your helmet,
remember to check the camera is in
the right position – lens pointing down
in the direction you travel – and always
use the appropriate settings. If, like
me, you prefer filming with the stick,
remember to check that the lens is not
pointing too high or too low; it should
point to your chest so you are in the
frame. Also try some slo-mo shooting –
the results are awesome!
GoPro for Beginners 85
 Using your GoPro

Take GoPro
to the extreme
If you’re addicted to adrenalin, then extreme sport is for you! Find out how
to best use your GoPro to capture these dangerous yet exciting pastimes

First-person experience
If you’re determined to relive that thrill,
opt for a helmet mount or helmet
strap, to get as close to your eye-level
as possible © GoPro

86 GoPro for Beginners

S
kydiving, rock climbing,
base jumping, wingsuiting,
high-lining, paragliding,
parkour, sand kitting, caving,
sandboarding, BMXing, cliff jumping,
cave diving… the list of extreme
sports goes on and on, much like the
enthusiasm of those who participate
in these white-knuckle hobbies. As the
action happens at such an incredible
pace, and the feats these so-called
adrenaline junkies achieve are so death-
defying, it makes sense to want to
capture the rush as it happens from the
first-person perspective, which is why
so many fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants
adventurers invest in GoPros; they are
small, can attach to almost anything,
and record the action in superb clarity,
ready to be relived at will.
There are so many ways to make the
most of your GoPro in these kind of
situations, so read on to learn what kind
of setups make for the most dramatic
captures, and what the best settings to
use are.
GoPro for Beginners 87
 Using your GoPro
Image quality
“Extreme sport makes me
happy; that rush of adrenaline
through my veins makes me feel
free.” Matej Cesak enthuses. The
15-year-old pro sets his GoPro
at the highest image quality to
relive his stunts in impeccable
detail © Hiishii
Extreme sports lovers live for that rush,
and that’s one of the reasons GoPro is
favoured by these adrenaline addicts;
they can relive and share the thrill of that
experience over and over again, whether
it be with their 90-year-old grandma or
future offspring in the year 2050.
One such GoPro-using, white-knuckle
devotee is Matej Cesak, a 15-year-old
student from Prague who, when not in
school, is delighting fans with his death-
defying stunts in freestyle motorcross
(FMX) events all over the world. “I’m just
an ordinary teenager who happens to
have a lot of adrenaline-fuelled hobbies,”
the pro says humbly. While attempting
to impress judges with jumps and stunts
midair on a motorbike, Matej records all
the action with his GoPro Hero4. “I usually
always use a high-definition setting,
which is perfect for outdoor shooting. I
88 GoPro for Beginners
Video versus stills
As the action happens at such
a fast pace, most extreme
sportspeople prefer to shoot
attach the camera to many locations, but in video rather than stills. Then
in my opinion the best views for extreme if users want images, they can
sports come from being attached to the cut sterling screengrabs from
the video, thanks to the Go-
chest, helmet or fender in my case, using Pro’s high image quality © GoPro
a range of GoPro mounts and harnesses
to keep the camera as still as possible
so the motion is smooth, not shaky.” To
discover what GoPro mount best suits
your preferred sport, just visit the online
shop at www.shop.gopro.com.
Naturally you’ll want to make sure
you’re capturing the most detail in your
shoots, so go to your settings and set up
your camera to shoot at 1080p with a
super-fast frame rate of 60fps to ensure
that you can tweak your videos in post-
Gear guide
If you’re passionate about adventure
processing for slow motion. sports and want to capture the thrill as
With the right choice of software, you it happens, invest in a suitable harness
can even extract stills from your clips to or mount so that you can attach your
GoPro to you or your equipment and
give you a photograph of an exact, epic record the action smoothly © Joakim Sommer
moment in action.

Weapon of choice
From bungee jumpers to zorbers, free
climbers to FMX riders, the GoPro is the
only camera that can keep up with these
thrill-seeking enthusiasts, thanks to its size,
functionality, ease of use, quality of results
and ability to attach to almost anything © Hiishii
Q&A with
FMX Pro
Matej Cesak
At 15 years old, FMX Pro Matej Cesak
uses his GoPro to take stunning
footage of his stunts.
© Hiishii
You are fairly young to have career
highlights, but if you had to name a
few what would they be?
The best so far is getting first place in
Brno Race (Czech Republic) for ‘The
Best Whip’, and also regularly attending
Masters of Dirt.
What model of GoPro do you use
and why?
I decided to go for the GoPro Hero4,
because it’s perfect for the sport and
events that I do.
How so?
The Hero4, and GoPro cameras
in general, are just the best! The
functionality of the camera and quality
of the video are amazing. My family
and friends can finally see what I see,
and feel what I feel when I’m flying
through the air on my motorbike. Also,
it means that the feeling you only get
from sports like this lasts much longer
thanks to GoPro!
GoPro for Beginners 89
 Using your GoPro

Choose your attachment

Depending on your preference
for content, the helmet or the
bike-mounted options will work
best for you, so weigh up the
options of practicality with what
you want to see in your footage
© GoPro

90 GoPro for Beginners

Take it up a gear
Get on your bike and capture great moments from your
cycling routes or off-road adventures
G
oPro action cameras
are notoriously used for
extreme sports and crazy
outings, but sometimes
you might just want to document a
new cycling route.
The first thing to consider with any
outing on a bike or near a road is safety.
So make sure you wear a helmet, fix
some lights to your bike and load up
with food and drink before heading out.
You will need to make sure you have the
right attachment to hand, so question
what kind of footage you’re after. Do
Attach a sticky pad to your helmet
The GoPro comes with a sticky pad for helmet
attachments, which is simple to apply. When
you want to capture the cyclist’s point of
view? Would you prefer a bike-mounted
view? Perhaps you’d like both. As there
are a number of different attachments
available for the GoPro, you really can
choose what suits you best.
A bike-mounted bracket is great to
capture a street view of your ride, but
then again so is a chest strap. As these
two are static once attached, there is
really just one set view, so it’s fine for
documenting the route. For more drama
and a cyclist’s perspective, a helmet
attachment will give the best results.
attaching, make all efforts to keep it firm,
straight and central to avoid
any skewed views
Top technical
tips for GoPro
With your GoPro mounted on your
bike – either on your head, chest or
bike attachment – never forget the
technical adjustments at hand within
your camera.
The main technical aspect to
consider is the size and speed of your
storage. As the GoPro accepts microSD
cards, make sure the card you have
will store your ride’s duration, but
also handle the amount of data being
pushed on it. When editing footage,
it’s easier to convert to a lesser-quality
format than what you filmed in, rather
than up-scaling lesser-quality footage
to HD. To avoid this, keep your camera
set to 1080p/60, meaning you get HD
footage at 60 frames per second. Then,
most importantly, add a high-capacity
card. Depending on your budget, go
for a 64GB microSD card or higher.
But size isn’t everything, so make
sure you are getting a UHS-1 rated
card. This refers to Ultra High Speed
and is the data-writing speed your card
is capable of writing to. Anything lower
and your card won’t write the data
being received fast enough, leading to
potential quality issues.
GoPro for Beginners 91
 Using your GoPro

Chest strap
When using a chest strap, make sure that
the straps are tight and that the GoPro is at
a decent angle so that you don’t get wobbly
footage of hands holding handlebars

Bike mount
If you are using a bike
mount, make sure you
fit it tightly. Most of the
attachments will come
with a foam inner layer.
Use this to give some
cushioning to the mount,
because this will ultimately
protect your GoPro

92 GoPro for Beginners


The most impressive footage comes
from being prepared, so take a cloth to
clean your GoPro, and even take a lens
attachment. As the GoPro camera has
a native wide-angle lens, your capture
area will be incredibly wide, but do bear
in mind that the GoPro editing suite has
a zoom and perspective-shifting utility
already built in to it. Your best bet to
enhance the optics for your ride would
be in the form of a Neutral Density (ND)
ilter. An ND ilter will give your ilm’s
exposure a 3-stop reduction, which will
allow brightly lit scenes to be ilmed with
a slower shutter speed.
By using the slower shutter speed, you
can give footage a naturalistic motion
“Not only can you document your ride,
but you record those you share the
road with – for better or for worse”
blur, which helps it appear more realistic
and reduce vibration movement if your
GoPro is attached to your bike. The colour
saturation of your footage can also be
improved by using a polarising ilter,
which is ideal if you’re cycling through
lush vegetation or ields, or just under a
blue sky. The polariser works by iltering
out light, and both reduce glare and add
contrast to an image. You don’t have to
be speciically cycling through a ield to
get the beneit from this attachment; it is
Fastening to a helmet
Not everyone uses a smooth,
dome helmet when cycling, so
for those using aerodynamic,
ridged helmets, you can get
fastening attachments that feed
through the holes ©GoPro
ideal if cycling near water, as it will mute
down relections on the water as well.
Whether you’re cycling for pleasure
or for convenience, wearing your GoPro
really is a necessity. Not only can you
document your ride, but you also record
those that you share the road with – for
better or for worse. If worst comes to
worst and you’re in an accident, your
GoPro’s footage can be a valuable insight
into how the accident occurred and who
is really to blame.
GoPro for Beginners 93
 Using your GoPro

Different POVs
Using a selfie stick can
offer different perspectives
when running © GoPro

94 GoPro for Beginners

Film while on
the run
Use your GoPro to track favourite running routes, as well as
record your progress and share your achievements
U
ntil recently, going for a run
required very little thought.
Wearing appropriate clothing
and footwear, doing some
warm-ups and staying hydrated were the
only things we really needed to consider
before setting out for a run.
Now, with the aid of GPS, pedometers
and health-tracking apps on our wrists
and in our phones, running has been
reinvented. We are now able to show
off how far we’ve run and how fast we
did it, and even share the route on a
map so that your friends and family can
follow your route and compete against
your times. Technology has certainly
made exercise a lot more sociable, which
is perhaps partly behind its surge in
popularity.
Using your GoPro to monitor and track
your progress is yet another creative way
of showing friends, family and your social
network what lies behind the stats you
post online.
Running is such a varied and diverse
activity that it’s both a sport and a hobby
– one that has a massive following.
With computer game companies and
advertising agencies already seeing a
sales tool in the form of point-of-view
(POV) running footage, it’s a trend that
seems to be catching on.
Head strap
If you are running a route
that you know will have
some drama that you want
your viewers to see from
your point of view, use a
head strap. Just make sure it
is tightly secured and comfy
Lens cleanse
How to get the most out of your
GoPro device when using it
outdoors in more taxing conditions
Being outdoors with a GoPro gives
you so many options for its use, be it
filming your run, or shooting stills of
areas of interest for your next route.
Either way, using lens adapters is a
perfect way to get the most out of the
camera’s capabilities. If you are looking
for a really dramatic and overly edited
movie, why not look at what’s around
you, such as foliage and textures,
and use a macro lens to film subtle
cutaways that relate to your run?
As for the footage itself, alternate
between a neutral density filter and a
polariser. This will give you an added
edge of colour saturation with the
polariser and an opportunity to add
a slower frame rate to your footage,
allowing a softer run to view. Sadly, you
can only use one filter at a time with
most GoPro lenses, so take the time to
think about your run and capture
every moment.
To make sure you retain clarity of
your shots when running, especially
if you are a mud runner or in the rain,
take time out to check your lens before
a desired section of your run, because
it will undoubtedly get messy. As such,
it is a good idea to carry wipes with you
to ensure that the lens is mud-free and
ready to capture whatever you put in
front of it.
GoPro for Beginners 95
 Using your GoPro

Shoulder strap
If you want the best of both worlds between head and
body straps, use a shoulder mount. These are brilliant
options, but bear in mind that a higher rate of head/
shoulder movement will reduce movement and angles

Don’t run into the sun

Even though the GoPro has a great metering
system, try not to run into the sun, because
you might get a lot of flare in your shot. So,
unless this is a look that you are attempting to
achieve, try to avoid it at all costs

96 GoPro for Beginners


So, what kind of runner are you? Do
you prefer long distance or sprints? Do
you parkour? Whatever your preference,
each style has something to offer and
makes for great footage, so start filming
your activities!
The first thing you will want to take
into consideration is your comfort. If you
are mud running and going chest down
a lot, you should consider taking a head
strap as well as a chest brace. This means
you can capture the race with the ease
of a chest brace, but also document the
scope and angles of your obstacles with a
head strap. Alternating between the two
will serve you well.
Another extreme running form,
parkour, or street running, would
“Capture the race with the ease of a
chest brace, but also document the
scope and angles with a head strap”
benefit from both a head and chest
strap, although a wrist strap might be
interesting for dramatic effect. Because
parkour uses pace, speed and agility to
negotiate everyday elements such as
rails and walls to get to the end point,
your GoPro will experience knocks and
extreme movement. You even run the
risk of losing it.
To accommodate this, use the correct
strap attachment, analyse the run and
consider big jumps. If you need both
hands, this should be fine with the head
Get in on the action
When taking part in events such
as Wolf Run or Tough Mudder, a
GoPro is a great way to capture the
action either via chest straps, head
straps or in your hand!
or chest straps. For high altitude and tight
spaces, wrist and head attachments allow
freedom of movement.
For the long distance and forest
runners, use the head or chest strap.
This is purely for ease of use, and non-
stop recording capabilities. Who wants
to see just your arm’s point of view?
By considering and obtaining the right
attachments, you can transform your
activities into captivating sequences on
the screen, allowing you to get fit and get
creative. What could be better than that?
GoPro for Beginners 97
 Using your GoPro

Hit the road

with your
GoPro
A comprehensive rundown
of the key tips and tricks you
need to remember if you
want to achieve some
awesome automotive
action with your
GoPro camera

W
hile GoPro’s cameras may have
been originally devised for the
world of action sports – think
dropping into an awesome
wave or backflipping over a tabletop on a
BMX – the POV camcorders are equally adept
when mounted on and in a car. Whether it’s
to document your latest road trip, monitor your
performance on a circuit or try to emulate the
internet-breaking feats of Ken Block, a GoPro is
more than up to the task. Just ask company CEO
Nick Woodman, who uses the cameras to record
his own racing antics.
Over the next few pages, take a look at how to
make the most of your GoPro for documenting
your motor-racing and pick up a few essential
tricks to make your videos and stills really stand
out from the crowd.

98 GoPro for Beginners

 GoDrive
Attached
to your car’s
bodywork, a
GoPro is a great
way of getting
high-quality
footage of your
escapades © GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 99

 Using your GoPro
Be creative
Don’t just focus on the road
with the camera. Think outside
the box and you can create
some unique angles for your
footage © GoPro
With a GoPro and a car, the creative
possibilities are almost endless, but there
are things you must consider before
setting up to shoot film or photos with
your kit.
First of all, you need the right mount
for the job. The suction cup mount is
your friend when driving, as it’s easy to
relocate and secure up to a speed of
around 150mph. If you want something
even more secure, the 3M sticky pad
mounts provide a super-strong hold on
metals and plastics, but don’t work as
well on materials like leather. If your car is
kitted out for the track, and features a roll
cage, GoPro’s roll bar mount easily clamps
on, allowing various interior angles.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need
to fix the camera onto the car. For a cool
point-of-view perspective, try attaching
the GoPro to yourself. If driving on the
100 GoPro for Beginners
First-person view
Using either a helmet mount
or head strap, you can create
a first-person view that will
truly immerse your viewers
in the experience © GoPro
roads, a head or even a chest mount
would do the best job. If you’re driving
on a circuit, a curved stick mount on your
helmet is your go-to.
The position of your GoPro will help
dictate which settings you’ll want to use
but, generally, if you’re mounting the
camera inside a closed-top car, you’ll
want to use the skeleton or open-backed
cases to pick up the engine noise. If
mounting outside, we’d recommend
using the closed back to reduce wind
noise. Ideally, using two cameras (one
inside and one outside) is the best setup
for getting awesome audio and visuals.
Another thing to consider if you’re
filming from inside is spot metering. Car
interiors can be dark, and if your GoPro
is shooting through the windscreen, the
road will probably look pale and washed
out. To prevent this, turn on the spot
 Spot metering Casing
By turning on the spot While the open-case
metering function you back is recommended at
will prevent the road speeds of up to 100mph,
from washing out when we’d suggest using the
shooting out of the solid back when shooting
windscreen © GoPro externally © GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 101

 Using your GoPro
© GoPro

102 GoPro for Beginners


metering function in the settings. This
will mean that the camera will expose
“Don’t just focus on the road; think about
the scene from what’s right in front of it,
so the view of the road will look much
clearer and more saturated.
Resolution settings will vary depending
on what effect you are trying to achieve,
but we’d suggest using the highest
frame rate possible. Shooting at 60fps
and higher means that you can reduce
the speed of your video – creating epic
slo-mo footage – without reducing the
smoothness of the film’s playback.
Framing-wise, if you want to capture
the landscape, use the wide-angle
setting (the slight fish-eye effect may also
accentuate the sensation of speed at the
edges of the frame). If you want to focus
on a specific feature without cropping
your footage in post-production, use the
narrowest setting.
Suction cup
Preparation is definitely key if you want to ensure
that your suction-cup mount stays secure and your
GoPro doesn’t go for an unintended ride
intriguing angles and you’ll have exciting
snippets to cut into your footage”
With later GoPros’ abilities to preview
(either through the proprietary Android/
iOS app or the Hero4’s touchscreen), you
can get creative with your angles without
worrying about wasting time.
If your ultimate aim is to be creative Mounting the
with your shoot, don’t just focus on the
road; think about intriguing angles (like
suction cup
With little more than simple physics
shooting the front wheels moving) and stopping your GoPro having a high-
speed accident, make sure that the
you’ll have exciting snippets to cut into surface you’re attaching the suction
your main footage. mount to is thoroughly clean by using
alcohol wipes. A little bit of water (or
The most important thing to
even saliva) on the suction cup itself will
remember is to drive responsibly and to also help its adhesion to the surface.
not get distracted. After all, if you don’t Finally, make sure the locking arm is
firmly pushed down on the mount to
make it home at the end of the day, there fully secure the whole unit.
will be no footage to get excited about.
GoPro for Beginners 103
 Using your GoPro

Pet POV
Attaching your GoPro to
your pets can offer a fun
and new perspective on
the world © GoPro

104 GoPro for Beginners


Film with man’s
best friend
Why not use your GoPro to record the funny things your pets
do from their perspective?
W
hy should we be the
ones having all the
fun? It’s only fair that
GoPros can also be used
to capture the adventures our pets get
up to. This is also a great way of seeing
things from their perspective, such as
when a ball or stick is thrown their way,
or the view they get when we take them
for a walk. Now we can gain some insight
into how they interact with the world,
and even relive it with them.
Use a harness
A GoPro-ready body harness attached to
your pet is the safest and comfiest way
for you to capture their point of view
There are currently plenty of pet-
friendly harnesses and attachments
on the GoPro market that will enable
you to attach a GoPro to your beloved
animal. Most – if not all – are designed
with the animal’s comfort in mind,
which is obviously the most important
consideration in all this.
Using the traditional-style body harness
is sure to get you the best results if you
would like to film from your pet’s point
of view. This is due, in part, to the weight
Get your
housing in
order
Ensure you’re using the right kind
of housing for your GoPro when you
attach it to your pet
Our pets are awesome, there’s no
doubt about it. Our four-legged little
buddies often follow us around, and
usually trust us implicitly – unless
there is water involved, and then it’s
every man for him/herself. Dogs love
it, cats hate it, and the GoPro varies
depending on your housing.
So, if you think there’s even a
chance that your pet could come
into contact with moisture, then
definitely armour up and attach your
waterproof housing. These housings
can differ in their depth of useable
range, but all waterproof housings will
at the very least protect against brief
submergence, so it’s safe to use if you
are looking to go on a run in the rain.
For the dogs that love the sea,
ensure that your casing will take any
potential depth changes and that it’s
attached firmly, but unless you are
going deep underwater and have
attached your GoPro to a whale, then
the standard 40m depth housing
will suit you just fine. However, the
same rules of cleaning the waterproof
housing still apply. Make sure you
submerge your housed camera in
fresh water to remove any traces of
salt, as this can compromise the water
resistance of the GoPro’s housing.
GoPro for Beginners 105
 Using your GoPro
Set for speed
Set your camera to 1080p at the
highest frame rate; that way
you can make sure you capture
every leap in high enough qual-
ity to slow motion it in
post-production © GoPro
of the camera being evenly distributed
across their back and stomach by using
a firm – but not tight – body brace. With
the camera being attached in such a way,
you will add to the fluid nature of the
footage and reduce camera wobble.
Having said that, our pets don’t
necessarily move with grace and
elegance, so bear that in mind when
using any form of brace for specific
footage, as you might need a few takes.
Don’t try to compensate for wobbly
footage by tightening the harness – not
only will it be uncomfortable for your pet,
the harness might actually do more harm
to the animal than you’d expect.
Along a similar vein, if you want to
achieve great content, don’t assume that
leaving your GoPro on your pet for a long
period of time will help. So, for example,
don’t leave it attached to them while you
106 GoPro for Beginners
The Fetch mount
Easy to adjust and fitted with
extra padding so it is comfortable
for your canine friends, the Fetch
mount allows you to connect
your GoPro to either the top or
the chest of your beloved pet
go to work. You might want them to get
comfortable wearing the camera, but
actually it’s a nuisance. And, let’s face it,
watching them nap isn’t very exciting.
When out and about with your pet,
not only can you film your walks, but you
can also film water-based activities too.
As the GoPro is waterproof, you really can
capture every adventure-based aspect of
your pet’s life. These stand-out moments
when your dog runs into the sea, or
your cat falls into the pond, are often the
most memorable and truly show off their
unique personalities.
Once again, quality of footage is
Make space
important when filming from your pet’s
for comfort
perspective. You’ll want to see all the Allow for movement and comfort for
unique details from your furry friend’s your pet when using a body harness.
viewpoint, so be sure to set your camera Gauge this by making sure you can fit
two fingers comfortably between the
up to the highest frame rate with the strap and their fur © GoPro
maximum size.
 Still life
Sometimes our pets are lazy, and
they stay put for a while, so why not
use the camera’s burst mode to cap-
ture images that you can later edit
into a stop-motion video? © GoPro

GoPro for Beginners 107

 Using your GoPro

Make moments last forever

Whether you’re just starting out or
have been performing for years, see
what your eyes never could before
with the compact camera that’s ideal
for recording music © GoPro

108 GoPro for Beginners

 Strike a chord
Whether you’re on stage in front of thousands, recording a
studio track or just jamming with some friends, your GoPro can
document every stage of your musical journey

G
oPros are the modern
musician’s best friend.
Orchestras from across the
globe are using them to
show the world what it’s like to perform
classical music as a group. Even global
artists like Beyoncé are getting on
board by using GoPros to help film her
7/11 video.
To make capturing music moments
even easier, GoPro released a music-
focused version of the Hero3+ Black
edition. The camera is designed to
mount to turntables, instruments
and microphone stands, as well as
connecting to the GoPro app to be
controlled remotely, which means
you can get on with filming while
the musician focuses on making their
music. GoPro even has its own media
group that accepts track submissions
to accompany its videos, so your music
could feature in a viral video that’s
viewed by millions.
There are so many ways that you can
embrace GoPro footage as a musician,
so read on to discover how to make the
most of your creative kit.

GoPro for Beginners 109

 Using your GoPro

Any setting
Capture music you stumble
across in the street, or secretly
set up a GoPro to record a flash
mob. Simply screw your chosen
mount in place and press record
Hand-held
equipment
Grenade grip and bobber
mounts are perfect
for recording gigs and
festivals. They screw
directly into the base of the
GoPro frame or waterproof
housing and are extremely
portable © GoPro

Easy mounts
Body mounts are made of
elastic, coated with non-slip
grip. Slide your mount on your
head or chest and adjust the
stretchy straps. You’ll forget it’s
even there © GoPro

110 GoPro for Beginners


Take your band from practice to
performance with the GoPro. Capture
every moment of rehearsal, get
footage for your video from recording
sessions, and create the prefect visual
accompaniment with the world’s most
convenient camera.
Filming is the fun part, but once your
video is ready to go, it’s time to edit,
and this is where the real creativity kicks
in. GoPro Studio software was made
with beginners in mind, and features a
selection of video templates that can
be easily edited. Advanced editors can
make their videos from scratch, and
the software automatically imports the
media from a connected GoPro. Once
your video is together, you can add
Record your
rock show
Videographer Klocker tells us why
he chooses to use a GoPro and why
it works so well for him
01: Mount your cameras Use any kind
of mount from a screw-in microphone
grip to a stretchy head mount.
02: Connect to the app Install the app
to control when your GoPro records.
Activate it before you go on stage.
music, titles and motion effects. All that’s
left is to upload it to YouTube.
For remembering your stage
experience forever, the GoPro can record
every second from any angle. Use non-
adhesive mounts on your equipment, or
a vice grip mount to attach the camera 03: Film your fans Get a camera on
the crowd to relive the moments when
to a microphone stand, guitar neck you were blinded by the stage lights.
or overhead rig. You could even use
multiple cameras to record the crowd’s
reaction as you play.
Make it super smooth by controlling
your GoPro from your phone. The
GoPro app allows you to start and
stop controlling remotely, as well as
showing what’s in the frame – perfect 04: Edit your footage Once the show
is over, edit your recordings and maybe
for musicians who want to retain control even create your own music video.
over their videos.
GoPro for Beginners 111
 Going further
Take advantage of apps and software
to help you create professional edits
114 Import to GoPro Studio 130 Edit your photos
Get your GoPro footage onto
your computer
116 Edit in GoPro Studio
Edit your video footage
118 Use GoPro’s templates
Insert footage into templates
120 Correct colour casts
Correct a video’s colour
122 Use advanced editing
effects in Studio
Take your editing further
124 Create a terrific time-
lapse video
Make a time-lapse video
126 Export your video
Prepare to share your video
128 Edit with Quik & Splice
Edit fast and on the go
112 GoPro for Beginners
Improve your photos with
simple edits in Photoshop
132 Retouch your images
Use Photoshop to ensure your
shots are perfect
134 Correct exposure
Get the exposure right using
Adobe Lightroom
136 Adjust in Photoshop
Adjust and perfect your
images in a flash
138 Share your footage
Send your work into the world
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GoPro for Beginners 113
 Going further

Import to
GoPro Studio
Transfer videos and photos from your camera to your
Use it to…
y Play back
View your clips and
pause, rewind and fast
forward them using the
computer in a matter of minutes timeline sliders

O
nce you’ve finished shooting,
your GoPro’s job may be done,
but your footage usually needs
to be polished. There are several
ways to get footage from your camera onto
your computer, but plugging your camera in
directly via USB and using the GoPro Studio is
the most streamlined option. When you first
use the software, GoPro Studio Importer will y Change size
prompt you to use it as the default importer In advanced settings,
choose a different size
for GoPro cameras. Select yes, then give your
for your video footage
plugged-in camera a folder name and select
a location for the footage to be stored. Once y Alter frame rate
It’s easy to change the
you’re set up, the GoPro Studio Importer will
number of frames per
automatically open and begin the importing second with Studio
process whenever your camera is plugged in.

114 GoPro for Beginners

 Add footage Simple interface
Files can be imported at any There aren’t any hidden features
stage of the process, in the or tricky shortcuts to get your
top left corner of the software head around

Mirror view
By simply clicking ‘Rotate/
Flip’, it’s quick and easy to Video
change the orientation of destination
your clips You can change
where your converted
file will be saved by
adding a directory

Creating a conversion playlist

You can look at creating a conversion playlist as a way to
batch process your camera footage before you move on to
the editing stage, which can be very handy. There are some
advanced settings in the import and convert section of GoPro
Studio, but in most cases you will not need to touch these at
all. However, if you plan on using your video files in third-party
editors, you might find yourself needing to make a few changes
when you convert the clips. For example, checking the Remove
Fisheye option applies a lens adjustment to the converted
GoPro CineForm, in order to give it a smaller field of view. You
might also want to change the frame rate, so that it matches the
frame rate of other video files you’re working with.

01: Import files 02: Trim clips 03: Convert

Import files you want to use in your conversion
playlist, then ensure each one is set to your
desired frame size and quality from the
advanced settings. All imported files will be
shown as a list on the left frame of the software.
You can cut the video to remove unwanted
portions, make a smaller selection or pick out
a part. Play back the clip, and click the ‘Mark in
point’ button to start the selection. To end the
subclip, press ‘Mark out point’.
Click ‘Add to the conversion playlist’. Press
Convert and progress will appear on each clip,
showing how far through the process it is.
When all items have been converted, you’ll be
prompted to move on to step 2.

GoPro for Beginners 115

 Going further

Edit video in
GoPro Studio
Video editing is made easy with GoPro’s suite
Use it to…
y Create a final cut
Turn your footage into a
homemade movie

A
s soon as you buy a GoPro, you white balance, speed and crop of the footage
can download a free editing too. Also, with the opportunity to export your y Trim your footage
Cut it down your clips
suite, which is perfect for cutting, video in many different formats, you can rest and move it around
mixing and grading footage. assured that you can make a YouTube movie
There are alternatives, but this one is specifically or a full HD movie – the choice is yours. In the y Playback your
designed to work hand-in-hand with a GoPro. following section we will be demonstrating a
edited footage
Make sure what you’re
The GoPro Studio isn’t just for cutting and quick overview of the editing section of the doing makes sense!
pasting clips; it can also adjust the colour, GoPro Studio software.

Media tab Trimming points Editing controls The timeline

Here, you will see all of Once you select your The editing and video controls will The timeline will show you all of
your clips to add into footage, you can use the give you power over all elements of your footage that is in the actual
your main project, be it edit sliders to trim to the your footage, from the colour tone film. Here is where you will move
movie, music or titles exact point you want to the perspective and crop and add footage or music

116 GoPro for Beginners

Get started with basic edits
Find your footage, remove unwanted frames, add audio and more
01: Get your footage
From the files listed in the Media panel, find
your start footage and drop that into the
timeline. This is very straightforward, as all you
have to do is click and hold the footage and
drag it into the timeline. Once it’s there you
will see that it will appear in the main panel of
the suite, allowing you to preview the footage
frame-by-frame.
04: Colour the scene
When your clips are trimmed and transitions
are set, visit the adjustments panel. Set your
preview mode to Auto to get a clear image
based on your system settings. We’ll alter just
the contrast and the colour, so select the White
Balance to adjust the temperature of the image,
then alter the Tint, Contrast and Exposure sliders
until you get the result you want.
02: Controls for slicing
Chop the segment by using the ‘Mark In’ (I) and
‘Mark Out’ (O) markers. Doing this will allow you
to go back to the file you originally imported
and knock off any unwanted frames from the
start and end. However, if you want to slice
the footage completely and move along the
timeline then you can split it easily by using the
Splice tool.
05: Make some noise
Add some music to your project by clicking
the Media Search button on the top-left of the
page. This will give you the option to find more
footage or find a music file. Once found, you will
notice the music appear in the bottom of the
timeline and you will have fade controls made
available. Move up, splice and fade the music
the same way you would trim or fade footage.
03: Transition between shots
Add more files to your timeline by repeating
step one. Once you have added and trimmed
them, you can slide in new clips up and down
the timeline and slip them between shots.
The cross in between each shot is a transition.
The plus sign means that it will be a straight
cut; when you click it, it will become a fade
transition between the two shots.
Add some
distortion
In order to give your videos some
real attention-grabbing flair then you
may consider applying some visual
distortion, such as pin cushioning.
This can be edited in by selecting the
Framing Controls panel and adjusting
the sliders to suit your needs.
GoPro for Beginners 117
 Going further

Use GoPro’s
templates
Import and edit your footage using templates
Use it to…
y Edit using
templates
Get some help from
GoPro Studio

A
fter a shoot your GoPro’s Studio provides some templates. These contain
memory card will be packed full example clips cut to music. You can drag and y Convert to
of movie files. To separate the drop to replace these placeholder shots with QuickTime
Make your footage
wheat from the chaff you’ll need your own clips and tell a personal story in a compatible
to import your raw footage onto a desktop PC short, snappy way. However, before you can
and use the GoPro Studio software to edit. start adding your best clips to templates you’ll y Replace the clips
Fill the template with
To help you get up to speed with producing need to trim and convert them to an editable your own footage
a professional-looking edited product, GoPro file format.

Imported clips Ins and outs Add to conversion list Convert

When you connect your Tap the spacebar to play a Once you’ve trimmed favourite Click the Convert button. A blue
GoPro and open GoPro clip. You can click here to clips, click here to add them to progress bar will indicate which
Studio, your imported mark a start (in) and stop the conversion list. This will create clip is being converted into an
content appears here (out) point QuickTime movies you can edit editable QuickTime movie

118 GoPro for Beginners

Add your clips to a template
Follow along with our example to learn a quick way to edit
01: Choose a template
After converting your trimmed GoPro clips to
QuickTime movies, click on the ‘Step 2 EDIT’
button. Alternatively you can download and
use the eight source clips featured in our tutorial
from bit.ly/28L0jgN. Choose File>New Project.
Click on Step 2 EDIT then choose an Edit
template. The templates vary in style, but we’ll
choose Dubstep Baby.
04: Complete the edit
Replace the rest of the eight target area shots
with the eight imported clips from our London
shoot. Each clip is automatically trimmed to
fit the duration of the placeholder shot that it
replaces. The final shot (number eight) has had
effects added to it to make the baby slow down
and speed up. This retiming effect is also added
to the our 08.mov clip.
02: Import media
Click Create. The clips from the template will
appear in the Storyboard (timeline) as a series
of target areas. Tap the spacebar to play the
template to see where it features effects such as
slow motion. Click the Add Media button in the
left pane, browse to our eight project files, then
click Open. The imported movies will appear in
the left-hand pane.
05: Edit the titles
The next step is to drag the Storyboard’s yellow
Time Indicator bar to display the captions in the
Titles track. Click on a blue title to select it. In the
Fonts pane, edit the content of the template’s
caption to personalise your video. Drag the
start or end of a blue title bar to make it run for
a little longer. Drag inside a blue bar to change
where it appears in your programme.
03: Replace template clips
After the GoPro logo plays, the Storyboard
contains eight short clips. Drag the imported
‘01.mov’ onto the first shot of the baby to
replace the target area’s clip with this wide shot
of London. This shot is slowed down due to the
effect added to the template’s first clip. Add the
midshot (02.mov) and close-up shot (03.mov) of
the location to create jump cuts.
Slowing your
clips down
If you plan to slowing down one of
your captured video clips then it is
worth remembering that you will
produce much smoother results by
shooting in Wide Video Graphics Array
(WVGA) mode to begin with. You’ll be
amazed at the difference.
GoPro for Beginners 119
 Going further

Correct colour
casts on video
Solve problems with colour, tone and composition
Use it to…
y Remove colour
casts
Remove unwanted

T
his walkthrough shows you
how to continue working with
the eight templated video clips
from the previous pages. We’ll
demonstrate how you can fine-tune by
correcting colours, tones and more.
Our project’s video clips were captured using
Protune settings, which enable us to record in
Flat mode. Flat mode produces neutral colours colour from your clips
so you can decide how saturated the colours
will look by adjusting sliders in GoPro Studio’s
y Adjust framing
Focus on specific areas
Edit work area. You can also use GoPro Studio of the shot
to overcome any unwanted colour casts and
manually edit the temperature. Download the
y Add presets
Make your own preset
videos from bit.ly/28KAwQP and correct each settings for your projects
clip’s colours in just a single click.

Perfect Presets Framing Image White Balance

These presets let you Here you can crop your This panel overcomes exposure- This panel’s tools enable you to
grade your clips in a selected clip to zoom in related problems and create warm up cold colours or cool
range of creative ways. on a particular area that a healthier range of shadows, down warm ones, as well as
Change tones in a click requires focus midtones and highlights in the clips banishing green or magenta tints

120 GoPro for Beginners

Fix problem hues
Quick ways to change your clip’s colours
01: Remove colour casts
Scrub the Storyboard’s Time Indicator bar to
show a clip. Toggle open the White Balance
section in the panel on the right. Click the
Eyedropper tool’s icon. Click the cursor on part
of the image that should be a neutral grey. If the
tool decides that the area is too cold or warm it
will automatically adjust the colours to create a
natural look.
04: Add presets
A quick way of changing your programme’s
look is to use preset grading effects. Drag the
top of the Presets panel up to resize it. Select
a clip and then click on a Preset thumbnail to
change the clip’s colours and tones. As we’ve
spent time getting our colours to look accurate,
we’ll only apply a Vignette Large preset to add a
dramatic dark border to our Storyboard’s clips.
02: Manual White Balance
Continue sampling each clip using the
Eyedropper. The shot of the bubbles (08.
mov) was captured when the sun made an
appearance, so looks warmer than the other
clips. The colours are comparatively too
saturated. Drag the Temperature slider left
to cool down the warmer colours. Drag the
Saturation slider left too for more subtle colours.
05: Copy and paste
Although you can adjust each clip’s White
Balance, tonal and saturation settings manually
this could take a while on a big project. Once
you’ve edited the colours and tones of one
shot to your satisfaction you can click on it and
choose Edit>Copy. You can then click on an
unprocessed clip and choose Edit>Paste. This
will apply all copied adjustments to the shot.
03: Adjust framing
There’s a photographer at the left of shot 08. To
remove him, toggle open the Framing panel.
Drag Zoom to the right until he disappears.
Don’t zoom in too far when working with a
low-resolution clip (like this 848 x 480 WVGA
file), as this runs the risk of exaggerating fuzzy
compression artefacts. To restore some of the
tall building, drag the Vertical slider right.
Rewriting the
storyboard
If you’re not too keen on the colour
correction added to your Storyboard’s
video clips then you can choose the
Edit option, followed by Reset ALL to
erase all of the current settings and
then start again from scratch with your
preferred options.
GoPro for Beginners 121
 Going further

Use advanced Use it to…

editing effects
Edit from scratch and create a truly custom show
y Create a blank
template
Make your project
unique with a custom
template that’s yours
from start to finish

T
he editing templates used in the
previous spread are useful, as they
automatically trim the duration
of your clips to fit a music track
in the Storyboard. Although templates help
you process your raw footage into a shareable
product, you can do a more effective job by
editing your programme from scratch using a
blank template. For instance, you can decide
precisely where a speed change will occur, y Add a transition
and you can also access extra post-production Use Studio’s in-built
dissolve template
assets such as transitions, so that you can mix
gently from one shot to another instead of y Add movement
using a jarring jump cut. Read on to find out Make the camera zoom,
tilt, and pan on your
some of the more advanced techniques a GoPro clips
blank template can open up to you.

Split a clip Add a dissolve Adjust duration Add movement

By using the Split Clip tool to cut a By default we cut between By default a dissolve lasts By adding keyframes you can
shot into several sections, you can clips. If you click on this + for just a second. For a make the camera zoom, pan
speed up or slow down part of icon you can swap a cut for longer, slower mix drag and tilt as a clip plays. This works
the action during the shot a dissolve transition this slider to the right well when using 4K source files

122 GoPro for Beginners

Top editing techniques
Take your post-production to the next level
01: Create blank template
Download this project’s files from
bit.ly/28LOGnn. Launch GoPro Studio and
choose File>New Project. Choose File>Save
Project. Name your project and save it. Click on
the Step 2 Edit button. Click on Blank Template
and Create. Click the Add Media Button. Browse
to select the project source files and click Open.
They’ll appear in the Add Media panel.
04: Extend dissolve duration 05: Animated camera moves
Add the Pier clip to the Storyboard. Click the +
icon between the Deckchair and Pier clips to
replace the default cut with a smooth transition
that mixes from one shot to the next. To extend
the default duration of the one-second dissolve,
click to select it in the Storyboard. Drag the
diamond-shaped in and out points below the
Player window further apart.
02: Let’s split
Drag the Deckchair.mov clip to the Storyboard.
Drag the yellow Storyboard Time Indicator to
04:14 (just as the chair’s cloth begins to billow).
Click the razor blade Split Clip icon to cut the
clip into two sections. Scrub forward to 05:36 as
the material rises up and click the Split Clip icon
again. The clip has now been chopped up into
three sections.
Add Wheel Still.mov to the Storyboard. Scrub to
its first frame. Go to the Framing panel and click
the + shaped ‘Add New Keyframe’ icon. Scrub
forward to 23:00. Click the Framing panel’s ‘Add
New Keyframe’ icon again. Drag the Zoom and
Vertical sliders to get a closer look at the wheel.
Play the clip. The camera will now zoom in and
tilt up between the two keyframes.
03: Retime a section
Click on the middle section of the split clip to
select it. Toggle open the Video panel at the
right. Drag the Speed slider left to 45% to slow
down the clip’s middle. Untick the Flux box –
this creates smooth movement but it takes a
long time to process. Play back the sequence.
The clip will slow down during the middle
section then revert to real time.
Detailed
zooming
By shooting at 4000 x 3000 (4K) you
can zoom right in on a still or video clip
without adding any fuzzy compression
artefacts. The detail is a wonder to
behold and cuts down on the amount
of additional editing that you may have
to do later.
GoPro for Beginners 123
 Going further

Create a terrific
time-lapse
Speed up time by playing stills in rapid succession

I
f you set your GoPro to Time Lapse
mode, it will snap a series of shots at
intervals. By capturing a photo every few
seconds you can run the shots together
as a video clip in which time whizzes by at an
accelerated rate. A five-second interval is great
for showing cloud movement; two seconds
will capture city commuters well.
You can record time-lapse footage as a self-
contained video clip so you can view the effect
on your camera’s screen or on the GoPro app. Use it to…
Alternatively you can record time-lapse as a y Create a time-
series of stills, which have a higher resolution, lapse video
Get in on the time-lapse
but you’ll need to stitch them together using trend by taking a photo
GoPro Studio. Download the video from every few seconds
bit.ly/28Kuijr and we’ll show you how.

Time-lapse stills Time-lapse video Protune mode Convert

This time-lapse clip was This time-lapse sequence was Setting the camera to Protune we GoPro Studio makes it easy to
captured as a series of 12MP captured in camera as a self- can capture a wider range of tones convert a series of stills into a
stills, so it has a large resolution contained video clip, so has a in a high-contrast scene and tweak movie file that you can work
of 4000 x 3000 pixels lower resolution of 2704 x 2028 them in GoPro Studio on in the Edit workspace

124 GoPro for Beginners

From shoot to final video
The steps you need to create compelling time-lapse movies
01: Choose interval settings
If you shoot with a smartphone and the GoPro
app you can change the camera’s menu easily
and preview each captured frame. To capture
a series of stills at regular intervals, go to Multi-
Shot mode and choose Time Lapse. Go to
Settings and choose Multi-Shot. Set the Interval
to snap shots at a specific increment – we went
for a five-second interval.
04: Adjust image
The clouds are the most interesting thing in
this sequence, but they’re over-exposed and
lack detail. Toggle open the Image panel and
drag the Exposure slider to darken the scene.
This reveals more highlight detail. Tease out
more colour by dragging Saturation to the right.
Emphasise the building’s delicate details by
increasing the strength of the Sharpness slider.
02: Capture your footage
To capture our stills we turned on the Multi-
Shot setting’s Protune mode for a wider range
of tones and natural Flat colours. Put your GoPro
on a tripod. We used a clockwork X-Lapse
tripod to add a slow pan to our recording. By
using the GoPro a pp you can start and stop the
time lapse recording without even touching the
GoPro device.
05: Add a zoom
Scrub forward to 01:26. Click the Split clip
icon. Click on the second part of the split clip
to select it. Scrub forward to 03:00. Open the
Framing panel on the right. Click the + icon to
add a new keyframe. Scrub forward to 06:20.
Click the + icon again. Drag the Zoom and
Vertical sliders to get a closer look at the tower.
The camera will now tilt and zoom.
03: Import your files
Download our Timelapse source.mov file. Create
a new GoPro Studio Project. Click on the Edit
workspace’s button and create a Blank template.
Click the Add Media button and browse to our
source file. Click Open. Drag Timelapse source.
mov onto the Storyboard. Tap the spacebar to
watch the sequence play – as the tripod pans
left, clouds billow rapidly.
Prevent sun
blindness
If you are concerned about too much
sun glare on your images then the
Muvi X-Lapse tripod helps stop the sun
from hitting the same spot on your
camera’s sensor for too long as they
rotate through 360 degrees and are
fairly inexpensive.
GoPro for Beginners 125
 Going further

Export your
finished video
Process your GoPro-sourced footage so you can share it
Use it to…
y Complete your
GoPro video
Finish up your video,
with family, friends and followers watch it and get ready to
send it out into the ether

O
nce you’ve shot some exciting GoPro have made every effort to make the
clips, stills or time-lapse entire process – from filming to editing to y Export your clips
sequences on your GoPro you’ll sharing – the easiest they can. And they have Get ready to share your
finished edits on your
be keen to share the best bits definitely succeeded. Mac or PC
with other people. Exporting with GoPro Exporting your videos couldn’t be more
Studio is the final stage of using the software simple and once it’s done, you’ll be able to y Share your video
Let the world see what
and is as easy to get your head around as the share your final product using the handy info you have captured
rest of the program. The developers over at over the next few pages.

126 GoPro for Beginners

 Presets File size
Use this drop-down menu to When adjusting the Quality
output your movie at a variety slider you’ll see the file size value
of popular sizes (such as a change. To create a lighter file you
Vimeo compatible 1280x720) can also reduce the resolution

Encode
Use H.264 to create good quality Frame rate
lightweight files for social media sites. By dropping the
If you’re outputting to 4K resolution frame rate you can
then GoPro CineForm is designed to reduce the size of
produce the best results your file, though
this may make the
footage playback to
be more jerky

Export using GoPro Studio

Although you can share clips and stills from your smartphone’s
GoPro App album, some clips (such as those recorded at a 4K
resolution) will be too large to copy between your GoPro and
your phone at full quality. You may also want to edit several
shots together and add music and captions to tell a story. In
this instance you’ll need to use the GoPro Studio desktop app
to import, process and edit your clips (as we’ve demonstrated
in the last few spreads). GoPro Studio also enables you to share
higher quality versions of your edited GoPro clips (even at a
resolution of 4K), as we’ll demonstrate in the following step-by-
step walkthrough. It also provides presets to create YouTube and
Vimeo-friendly file sizes so you can easily share on these sites.

01: Pick a preset
When you are finished, click on Step 3 Export.
An Export window will appear. Name your
movie file. A 4K resolution file will be too large
for social media sites. Choose a smaller size or
destination from the Preset menu.
02: Custom preset
Choose the Custom Preset from the drop-down
menu. You can choose a custom Image Size
and drag a slider to compromise between
image quality and file size. The H.264 codec
creates good looking but lightweight files.
03: Export the file
Leave frame rate, or your clip may play back
jerkily. When you’re happy with your custom
size and frame rate, click Export to create a
QuickTime Movie file. You can then use your
web browser to upload the file to a site.

GoPro for Beginners 127

 Going further

Edit with Quik Use it to…

y Create almost

and Splice
instant movies
Editing is almost
instantaneous with the
GoPro Quik app. Choose
from many preset edits
Edit fast and on the go, with ease and simplicity
y Edit footage

T
he GoPro community is all about options hiding just under the surface. Choices The GoPro Splice app
sharing, so GoPro have produced such as Filter Effects and music are selected for is great for editing your
two apps to help: Quik and Splice. you, though you can alter them post-edit when footage. Trim or cut your
video, add text and use
Quik is the fastest and easiest way your video is presented. The sidebar of icons filters to tone your clip
to create awesome videos. You can create a allows you some degree of control, starting
HD 1080p sharable movie in literally less than with the Filter Effects. Here, you can alter the y Share your shots
Quik and Splice are
five taps of your phone – simply give Quik preset edit style and the free, default music designed with sharing in
access to your pictures folder and select the choices. But you can also import your own mind. Post your footage
to social media instantly
footage and imagery you wish to include. While music, add text, select individual key frames
customisation is sacrificed for speed, there are and a point of focus.

128 GoPro for Beginners

 Your projects
Select this menu and you can
view all your different GoPro
Splice projects and select one
to begin editing
Share button
Share your finished GoPro
projects to your various social
media accounts with the
share button

Video timeline
Inspect your footage in Audio timeline
the video timeline, where Here you can scrub through
thumbnails help you view your audio timeline and
scene changes check that your music is
synced to your footage

Splice your video

The Splice app is the opposite in terms of automation and
simplicity, and that’s great. Looking more akin to a desktop
editing suite, Splice has a lot more user control than Quik.
The timeline is big enough to see where you are with each
clip, and small enough that it doesn’t get in the way. To closely
inspect your clip, tap it to bring up the Option bar which will
allow you edit, duplicate or delete the file. By selecting Edit, you
open up a selection of options including trimming, cutting and
filter effects to enhance and tone your footage. These are very
similar to those within the desktop app. As well as all of these
options, you can also add text, alter the font and add the Ken
Burns, panning and zooming movement, to your scene.

01: Finish your project first
After you have created your project with Quik,
view your footage and then revisit the editing
options - specifically the filters. Why not change
the style to something you feel may be more
apt? A great filter to try out is ‘Action’.
02: Add some text and flare
Once you know how your movie is going to
look, why not get even more creative? By
selecting an image, you will be given a few
options, like Point of Interest and Text Overlay,
so you can highlight an interesting scene.
03: Drop a beat
Select the music note icon to bring up the
Audio Options. Here you will be able to select
either a preset song from a host of genres, or
you can link your own cloud based music and
select a song from there.

GoPro for Beginners 129

 Going further
Edit your photos
Create stunning photos instantly with alternative software
Y
ou might consider yourself a fairly
decent photographer, but the
fact that you’re using a GoPro
means you’re probably filming
while active and therefore likely to be
concentrating on more than just taking
photos or videos. Luckily you don’t need to
worry about capturing perfect shots. But there
is only so much the GoPro Studio can do, and
you may find your image editing needs are
going to take you beyond the capabilities of
the free software.
130 GoPro for Beginners
Use it to…
y Correct exposure
Free trials of many photo editing software
Make some overall
programs are available for download from changes to your image
their respective websites, so it’s always worth so that it becomes
lighter or darker
giving them a trial run before you commit to
paying what can feel like an arm and a leg – y Improve contrast
and maybe a couple of extra toes too – before Tweak this slider to
create a greater variation
making absolutely sure that it’s right for you.
in tones
Make sure you fully explore the applications
during the trials, making full use of the various y Fix saturation
Move to the left of the
options and features on offer to ensure that
scale to make colours in
they meet your needs. If they do, then you can the shot really pop
consider paying out for the full version.
 Field of view Narrow perspective BEFORE
The preset ‘4x3 to Wide’ was The field of view might be more
applied to make the perspective immersive and involved if it were
and size more engaging slightly wider

AFTER

Dark areas
The image could do with some
subtle lightening to bring out the
shadowy areas

Image tweaks
The exposure sliders only needed
to be slightly altered to lighten the
image’s shadow areas

Some general photo edits

Photo editing software offers you a wealth of options that you
might not have even thought about. But the most simple of
edits can often be the most useful and also the most powerful.
Don’t be afraid to play around with your photos. In the following
steps we show you three of the simplest ways that you can
edit your images to add impact or to just improve them. We
are using Photoshop Elements to complete our edits, using the
Expert mode which offers just a few more options than the
other two. However, if you are a newbie, Quick and Guided edits
can work just as well and can be a really useful way to learn how
the different options are going to edit your photos. The Expert
edits shouldn’t scare you as they are all pretty straightforward.

01: Edit exposure 02: Change the perspective 03: Go Monochrome

You may find that your GoPro’s attempts
to adjust to lighting may fail you at
times. A simple change in the Exposure
(Image>Adjustments>Exposure) will allow you
to correct it easily. Simply move the sliders.
Something as simple as editing the aspect
ratio of a photo can change how it is viewed.
Select the Crop (C) tool and use the 4:3 preset.
Highlight the area you want to crop to. It should
instantly look appealing.
Add a little drama to your photos by making
them black and white, go to Image>
Adjustments>Hue/Saturation. Play with the
different settings to pick out the various
highlights and lowlights in an image.

GoPro for Beginners 131

 Going further

Retouch your Use it to…

y Brighten
If you have a localised

GoPro images
If your GoPro shots aren’t picture perfect, use these
area of dullness, use the
Dodge tool to brighten
it (for example the
swimmer’s teeth)

y Saturate
Use the Lasso tool to
quick and easy tips to transform them select a lack lustre area
then, with it selected,

W
hen images just aren’t quite
right, we can make use of
the wonders of Photoshop to
transform tired mages into
tremendous and amazing ones.
For this tutorial we’ve used Photoshop CC,
which is the latest version (a 30-day trial of
which can be downloaded from the Adobe
website free of charge), but as many of these find Saturation and
techniques are transferable to other editing boost the colour
suites you can still make use of the guide
regardless of what program you’re using.
y Give it a boost
Retouch the whole
Retouching can be a simple way to really of your image by
make your photo complete, be it by removing raising the contrast
and brightness to add
a rogue lamppost that is disrupting the view or interest and impact
whitening eyes and teeth.

132 GoPro for Beginners

 Dazzlingly white Distractions BEFORE
By using the Dodge tool we are able The air bubbles that are in the swimmer’s
to lighten specific areas of the image, nose and the marks on the pool wall are
such as the teeth and air bubbles distracting, so they need removing

AFTER

Dull tones
The image lacks an overall vivacity, as
it’s been shot underwater, so it’s dull
and the colours are muted

Bright blues
As the pool looked dull we’ve selected
only these areas to saturate, rather than
distorting the whole frame

Improve shots with the Clone tool

Whether it’s a tree sticking out of someone’s head, an unsightly
stain on a t-shirt or the tiniest pimple on the face of a very vain
friend, Photoshop’s Clone tool is a lifesaver. By carefully using
the clever tool, plus priming the size and strength accordingly,
we can simply wipe nuisance areas or distractions away by
painting over them with surrounding pixels, making it appear
as though they were never there at all. Retouching a shot in this
fashion is so simple to do; the trick is to get nice and close to
the offending article (use the Zoom tool to do this) and take the
tool’s circumference down to an appropriate size. You can also
affect the strength so that the effect is subtle, or ramp it up if
necessary. Follow the steps below and have a go yourself.

01: Select the tool
Select the Zoom tool and get close to the
distraction. With the Clone tool selected, head
up to the top of the interface and alter the tool
size and strength to suit the size and nature of
the distraction.
02: Clone the area
Press Alt and click on an area of the image you
want to paint with (clone). Hold the left button
down and paint over the distraction in smooth
motions. Don’t clone with one area of colour or
tone, as this won’t look realistic.
03: Smooth it over
Once you’ve finished cloning, find the Smudge
or Blur tool, to smooth over the area. Find
the right size and strength, then hold the left
mouse button down while you move over the
area in soft fluid motions.

GoPro for Beginners 133

 Going further

Correct exposure
Discover how to perfect exposure post-shoot with the latest
Use it to…
y Boost colour
After adjusting exposure,
boost the saturation
version of Lightroom and/or vibrance to help
the colours pop

S
ometimes it’s the camera’s fault Before delving into the tutorial, it’s important
y Alter white
and sometimes it’s our fault for to bear in mind that while it’s easy enough balance
using the wrong settings. Either to recover underexposed captures, it’s much Once you’re set with
way, photographing a scene using the harder to restore overexposed images. This is the right exposure,
recalculate the white
right exposure can often be tricky. If you do because shadows still manage to keep some balance to ensure your
find that the ‘killer’ image you shot turns out to image data, whereas blown-out highlights only colours are on point too
be underexposed (too dark) or overexposed record pure light, so there’s nothing to recover.
y Reduce noise
(too bright) then there are ways that you Here, we’ve plumped for the latest version An underexposed shot
can draw back the details from the shadows, of Lightroom CC (a free 30 day trial is available might display noise.
You can find the Noise
highlights or both, post-shoot with software from Adobe’s website) to correct exposure, Reduction controls in the
such as Photos, Photoshop, Photoshop but the skills we share here are transferable to Basic Panel
Elements, Lightroom and many more. many other kinds of software.

134 GoPro for Beginners

 Colour popping
Settled at the right exposure,
the colours in the image now
pop off the screen and make
more of an impact
Lacking colour and contrast BEFORE
As the image is underexposed there is
limited contrast between the dark and
light areas, plus the muted colours fail
to catch the viewer’s eye

AFTER

Dark and dingy

This image is underexposed because the
camera has recognised the mass of white
(sea) and dulled accordingly, thus the details
are shrouded in the shadow

Balanced and beautiful

By drawing back the shadows, we have a
more balanced, attractive exposure and can
now see the detail of the surfer’s face

Correct the exposure

We’ve all been there: thought we took a killer shot only to get
home and realise it’s not quite how we remembered it. That’s
what’s happened in this shot. The photographer has simply
pointed the camera and let it work out the exposure using the
automatic mode. The trouble is, the camera has seen that the
scene is overly bright, thanks to the large areas of white sea, and
it’s decided that this needs to be dulled slightly to balance the
image. As a result, it has used a short, sharp exposure to ensure
that not too much light goes through the lens. The result is an
underexposed image that has lost details, such as the surfer’s
face and the definition of the waves. The good news is that this
is easily rectified with a little tweaking in an editing suite.

01: Lift exposure 02: Lift shadows 03: Add definition

Open in Develop. In the Basic Panel, nudge
the Exposure slider to the right, ever so slightly,
to lift the overall image. Now scroll down and
find an area called ‘Tone Curve’. Bring up the
Highlights and Lights sliders a tad.
To lift the shadows from the surfer’s face, drag
the Shadows slider in Tone Curve to the right.
We want to raise it enough that we can see his
features better, without going so far that we
lose definition from the rest of the scene.
By lifting the light levels, we may have lost some
of the definition and impact. We can rectify
this by boosting the Contrast and Clarity. Go to
the Basic Panel’s tools and adjust these values
accordingly. Be careful not to go too far.

GoPro for Beginners 135

 Going further

Adjust your
GoPro images in Use it to…
y Enhance colours
You can use Photoshop’s
Raw panel to adjust the

Photoshop
Hue and Saturation of
your image

y Correct lens
distortion
Use the power of CS6 and CC to enhance and Use the Lens Correction
panel to adjust the
adjust your images quickly and easily distortion of your image

P
hotoshop, be it CS6 or CC (Creative
Cloud), offers the very best in
lens adjustment techniques
coupled with colour and contrast
adjustments to really make your GoPro
images shine. You can use the Adobe Camera
Raw interface to bring up a one-stop-shop y Open up multiple
editing panel that will help you adjust lens files at once
distortion, colour intensity as well as contrast In Raw you can
synchronise images and
and cropping. The Raw panel will also export open up more than one
your images without you really needing to go file at a time
too much into Photoshop itself.

136 GoPro for Beginners

 Bright and punchy Lack of contrast in colours BEFORE
By adding a little saturation to the The colours are a standard vibrancy,
image’s colours you will notice that it will so not really popping out until
quickly become a more vibrant shot brought into the editing suite

AFTER

Barrel distortion
Your native image from a GoPro will be
a wide-angle shot and barrel distortion
is present

Corrected distortion
With a few adjustments the image
becomes flatter with less fish-eye
distortion, allowing the image to be
viewed in a traditional style

Distortion and colour corrected fast

In this tutorial, we will go through how to alter and reduce
the barrel distortion of your image, enhance the colours and
saturation of those colours within your shot, as well as add
contrast to the overall image. To do this, open the image up in
Adobe Camera Raw. If you are using CS6, then browse for your
image via Bridge, right-click and select Open in Camera Raw; if
you are using CC, then go Filter>Camera RAW Filter and you will
be able to follow a similar edit process. Now, the result of this
is to make slight adjustments, not to push the image too far, as
the pixels of your camera might not take extreme editing, so be
careful how far you push your JPEG. A slight tweak to the sliders
in Adobe Camera Raw can make all the difference.

01: Instant fixes for distortion 02: Bring out the colours 03: Give it some punch
Open your image in Camera Raw and select Select the HSL/Grayscale tab, find the colour Raise Exposure by 40, up Contrast by 56, reduce
the Lens Corrections tab. Tick the Enable Lens you want to adjust, and tweak the Hue (colour Highlights by 54, raise Shadows by 49, then
Profile Corrections box and the software will range), the Saturation (how strong that colour reduce Blacks by 19. For extra punch, increase
read the Metadata and make the appropriate is) or the Luminance of the colour (how light or Clarity by 26, reduce Vibrancy by 17 and up
adjustments to normalise the image. dark you want it). Saturation by 21.

GoPro for Beginners 137

 Going further

Share your
GoPro footage
We show you the best ways to share your GoPro
Use it to…
y Add music
Add another dimension
to your videos by
popping in some tracks.
videos and photos instantly using the GoPro app Just hit the ‘Audio’ tab

W
hile you don’t necessarily mobile device. With just a few taps, the quickly y Insert text
take your GoPro footage edited videos can be up in the virtual sphere Under the ‘Annotations’
tab in YouTube you can
for the benefit of other and sharing on YouTube is very straightforward. insert speech bubbles,
people, it certainly adds to The video-sharing site is designed to make titles, labels and more
the experience. If you want to show off a your experience as easy as possible, and it’s
neat trick that you did on your board with your one of the simplest ways of getting your y Create subtitles
Increase your video’s
followers, or want to share the inner workings videos out there. But you don’t have to use reach with subtitles.
of your dog’s life, it can be done easily. YouTube, as GoPro has its very own website for After selecting the
Subtitles tab, plump for
You can share your videos instantly using you to share your content to. Read on to find the desired languages
the GoPro app available for download on your out more.

138 GoPro for Beginners


Sign up to YouTube
YouTube is hands down one of the best
social networks to exhibit your GoPro
videos through. Not only is it free and
provides easy, step-by-step instructions, it
also gifts users with a handy assortment
of audio and visual tools and offers the
potential for reaching a global audience.
So head to the website www.youtube.
com right this second and follow the
instructions to create an account if you
don’t already have one. When you’re
prompted, hit the Select Files to Upload
arrow and find the desired video or
simply drag-and-drop videos onto the
page. With your video ready and waiting
to be published, you can add some
extra sparkle to make your clip stand out
with the Enhancement, Audio and Info
tools (find out more with our three-step
tutorial in the sidebar).
Ready, steady, publish!
With your package ready to go, all you
need to do now is decide who you
want to see it. In the Video Manager
section, select your film and from the
drop-down menu on the right-hand side,
decide whether you want the footage
to be Public, Private, or Unlisted. If you
select Public, anyone can view the film,
anywhere in the world, at any time.
Private means that only an exclusive set
of your invited friends, family and other
contacts can see the footage, using a
special link. The final option, Unlisted,
makes the video viewable only by you.
When you’re happy with your choice, just
hit the big blue Publish button to finish
the process.
Use the GoPro Channel
YouTube’s not for everyone. In fact many
people consider it too mainstream
for their taste and purpose. If this is
something you agree with then perhaps
GoPro’s very own alternative will be more
to your liking. To get started head to
gopro.com/submit. Once you’re there
hit the blue Get Started button. Before
you can begin sharing you’ll need to
create an account, but don’t worry, this
Stand out
on YouTube
01: What’s it all about?
Adding a description to your video
is a no-brainer, otherwise how will
potential viewers know what your clip
is about? Really sell your video and
add tags to make it easier to find when
people run internet searches.
02: Add some glamour
If your video could do with a facelift
then use the YouTube Enhancement
tools. You’ll find Fill Light, Contrast,
Saturation and Colour Temperature
controls, as well as options to slow it
down, Rotate and Trim.
03: Shameless promotion
YouTube offers video-makers the
ability to promote all sorts of extra
curricular activities, including websites,
fundraising sites, merchandise, plus
other videos. Just hit the Cards tab to
enable the item you want.
GoPro for Beginners 139
 Going further

only takes a few minutes to do. When Perfecting your package

Be among friends
Sharing your files on the GoPro Channel
means fellow adrenaline junkies will be able
to view your efforts
that’s done you’ll be asked to select files
or drag and drop them onto the interface
– now’s your chance to use the files you
exported from GoPro Studio earlier. It’s
worth remembering that only films and
pictures shot with a GoPro are allowed
to be submitted, and they must be high
resolution. Plus, you must own all of the
content you submit, including rights to
any music.
As your footage uploads (you’ll notice
a blue progress bar and percentage
counter near the top of the interface),
you can use the time to fill in all the
necessary information that will be shown
with your film. First of all, give your video
a title. Next add its shooting location;
you’ll discover that the site offers you
suggestions as soon as you start typing,
which is rather helpful.

Sign on the dotted Really sell it Pigeonhole it Submit

circle...
If you’re happy for GoPro to
publish your video footage on its
channel, just select the consent
circle so that a tick appears in it
Use the description box
found here to promote
your video. Use engaging
and dynamic language to
ramp up interest
To ensure your video appeals
to the right demographic,
use this Options list to put
your footage in the correct
video category
With all the information
boxes filled out and your
video ready to show, all
you need to do is hit the
Submit button

140 GoPro for Beginners


Fill in a description, remembering to
use exciting and dynamic language to
intrigue potential viewers, and select a
genre from the drop-down list to help
pigeonhole your film into the correct
category. You can also add the model of
the GoPro used to record your footage in
the video details.
Then, when the film is fully uploaded
to the site, all you need to do is tick the
obligatory consent box and hit Submit.
You’re now done, so just sit back with a
warm bowl of popcorn and enjoy!
Share the love
01: Photo of the day
Why not take the time to share someone
else’s creation? Open the GoPro app.
Using the
GoPro app
01: Download
Head to the Apple or Android store and
download the GoPro app for free.
Register to make a
lasting difference
Taking your GoPro camera out and
documenting your hobbies, pastimes
and sick kickflips off a vert-ramp is
awesome. Being the only person to 02: Share
admire them however, isn’t quite so Head to the Gallery and select one of
your GoPro videos then hit Share.
awesome. By being a GoPro user, usually
this means you’ll no doubt be sharing
your footage on YouTube already, and
that’s great, but there is an increasingly
varied selection of outlets for your
footage to be uploaded to.
03: Facebook
To share on Facebook, select the icon
then write a status and tap Post.
02: How to share 04: Text it
In ‘Photo/Video of the Day’ find something Send a file by text by pressing the
you like, hit Share and add to a site that suits. Message icon and pressing Send.
GoPro for Beginners 141
 Going further

Constant reminders
The site is designed to keep
Go Shopping things simple, so there are
On the GoPro Awards page, you no surprises. The rules are
still have access to the GoPro listed in eye catching icons
Shop, meaning you can buy
new accessories or cameras
whenever you like
Tick and submit
Make sure you have
read through the terms
and conditions as you
can’t continue with your
submission without ticking
Tell the story
Make sure you use all of
the tabs to their fullest
extent, as it is here you’ll be
identifying your footage

GoPro has also provided the

opportunity to something a little “After you upload your submission, GoPro
different with your project, and that
something is to take on the GoPro
will let you know if you are successful”
Awards. The Awards are a year-round Show me the money, and great, GoPro can also use that footage.
competition that you can enter into as the video There is a lot of contractual information
many times as you like, with as many As with any awards system, there are relating to submitting footage filmed at
varied submissions as you like. Seeing as categories for submissions and rules to events, as well as footage in general, so
how GoPro are actively promoting the adhere to. Most importantly, adhering to the FAQ page on the website (gopro.
work created by their users, this means copyright protection and permissions. com/awards/faq) will be your first port of
that any registered GoPro owner can So, if you’ve submitted a clip with music call when uploading a submission.
go to gopro.com and open up a free on and you can gain a license from the So, what exactly can you expect out
GoPro account. It is also here where musician/label, and you can produce of the Awards? Well, firstly, after you
users can upload their RAW images and that contract, great, GoPro can reuse your upload your submission to the website,
RAW footage, as well as edited video footage with the music on and show it GoPro will contact you and let you know
footage, which can all be considered for wherever they like. If your footage has if you are successful, and then your
the chance of peer recognition, bragging other people in it, and you can get a winning contribution will be posted to
rights, and ultimately a very desirable model release form from them allowing their website. Plus, you will be the proud
financial reward. you to use their likeness in your footage, recipient of one of the following prizes:

142 GoPro for Beginners

$500 for a winning photo, $1,000 for an
unedited clip and $5,000 for an edited
GoPro video.
The more attempts, the
better your chances
One core element that makes the idea of
the GoPro Awards submissions feel more
communal, is the Live Feed showing the
Picture and Video of The Day listings, all
created and posted by fellow, enthusiastic
GoPro users.
Being able to see what other people
are creating and sharing on a regular
basis is both entertaining and inspiring,
and it really gives you an idea as to
what you can achieve with your GoPro.
Also, the GoPro Awards page is laid out
to help you find the videos that are
relevant to your interests, and once you
select a video to watch, the “Get This
Shot” section serves as a nice touch - it’s
basically a user-created recommendation
based off of the equipment the Uploader
Upload your footage to the GoPro Awards Website
Use your laptop, PC, or phone to export and share your footage to get
recognition, likes and even consideration for the GoPro Awards!
used to create the shot. All of this detail
is gleaned from the information tabs you Stand out
select at the Upload phase. So, as well
as being informative and entertaining, and get
seeing what other people are sharing can
really add that extra level of competition.
noticed
Plus, with no limit to the amount of
times you can upload, why not use it as
a research and development project for
angle cuts and content inspiration?
Extra sharing tips
Of course, the GoPro website isn’t the
only option for getting your footage
01: Visualise
By using a lens or filter on your GoPro,
out there and seen. Facebook will also you are capturing RAW footage in
accept video uploads, which is fairly an unedited format. Using filters can
make your footage look more like your
straightforward once you are back at intended vision.
your laptop or workstation, but if you are
literally phone-in-hand and GoPro ready,
you can use the GoPro Quik app to create
a mini edit and upload your video for
followers to view on Instagram, Facebook
or Twitter - in fact any social networking
site will do.
02: Maintain quality
As all submissions are potential award-
winners and have a chance of being
presented in any number of ways, the
key stipulation from GoPro is to film in
as high a resolution as possible.
03: Say all the right things
On the upload screen, you have many
options for uploading, so write a catchy
description (in third person) and attach
as many relevant tags as you like - this
will help you get noticed in searches.
GoPro for Beginners 143
 of al
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al ci
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tri Spe

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The independent guide to getting models
started with your GoPro

Get started with GoPro Must-have accessories Film anywhere

Discover everything that this versatile Customise the way you wear your Whether it’s river rapids or snowy
little camera has to offer camera, from harnesses to mounts mountains, capture every moment

Edit your footage Share your memories

Cut, mix and grade your footage with Publish your footage online and make
GoPro’s simple editing suite sure it stands out from the crowd